A scene from the second annual Dryland Sled Dog Derby in 2017.

NOVEMBER 8 UPDATE: The 2019 Dryland Sled Dog Derby at MacGregor Point Provincial Park has been cancelled due to unsafe trail conditions. 

See: Dryland Sled Dog Derby cancelled due to trail conditions

On November 9 and 10 the sounds of eager sled dogs, mushers and canine enthusiasts will once again fill the air as the annual MacGregor Point Dryland Sled Dog Derby is set to get underway at MacGregor Point Provincial Park.

In an event media release, the Sled Dog Sports Association of Southwestern Ontario (SSASO) and MacGregor Park have teamed up once again for the fourth annual event that last year saw nearly 70 class entrees from all over Ontario, Quebec and the United States, with those numbers expected to grow in 2019.

During the two day event, each race team must compete in the same race class, with the same dogs in both the Saturday and Sunday races with the fastest accumulated time determining the winners.

Designated viewing areas will be set up for spectators to watch the races and visitors are encouraged to meet mushers and their canine companions and to ask questions about the sport and lifestyle. Visitors are asked to leave their pets at home and requested to ask the musher prior to approaching the sled dogs.

Friends of MacGregor will be onsite offering breakfast and barbecued lunch items, coffee, hot chocolate and treats over the weekend. There will also be a raffle at the park's Visitor Centre to help raise funds for next year’s event.

Park Ontario issued day use parking passes can be obtained through the parks administrative building.

The event will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 9 and 10, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at MacGregor Point Provincial Park, 1593 Bruce County Road 33, just south of Port Elgin.