Volunteers work to create new finish line
GRAND MARAIS -- Thirty-one Midnight Run sled dog teams left the chute for a short lap around downtown Marquette Friday night as part of a ceremonial start. The official start for the Midnight Run and UP 200 was later that night in Chatham.
The UP 200 mushers are making their way to Grand Marais where a whole team of volunteers is anxiously awaiting their arrival.
Three-hundred people make up the town of Grand Marais during the winter, and this weekend, it's all hands on deck as the town's population will more than double in the next two days.
Half of the town is volunteering in some way for the UP 200; they're more than willing to give their time and dedication. That's especially important this year due to last-minute trail changes that will land the UP 200 finish back in Grand Marais.
"When we thought about having Grand Marais for the finish line, there wasn't any hesitation on the part of the board to go ahead with that decision because we know this community could pull together to pull it off," said volunteer coordinator Cathy Egerer.
Volunteers have been hard at work for the last few days, working on setting up the new trails and making room for the mushers and the teams at checkpoint.
But, there was also work to be done inside. It costs the small community about $2,500 to host, money they raise through donations and a silent auction.
"I go out and ask for donations to the silent auction. They never say no, they always bring me more than I have room for," says auction coordinator Melissa Carothers.
While the community looks forward to the dogs and mushers all year, the UP 200 brings a special gift back to the small community. They say every hotel room has been booked; a boost for businesses, something that is needed this winter.
"It's a nice shot in the arm for business. It has been a tough winter and snow has been down," Egerer said.
They're hoping the community will come out and support the mushers and teams, with activities held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Grand Marais Saturday.
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