Huslia has a long standing tradition of holding dog races, snowshoe races and other competitions around Christmas and New Year’s Day. Here are some photos courtesy of Dolly Simon-Dayton and race results courtesy of Jo Derendoff.
Huslia Open Dog Race
1. Lois Vent
2. Joseph Bifelt
3. Nicole Gregory
4. Westley Henry
5. Andrew Huntington
Huslia Old Timer’s Dog Race
1. Al Yatlin, Sr.
2. Agnes Dayton
3. Bill Derendoff
4. Jackie Wholecheese
5. Don Ernst
Huslia Woman’s Dog Race
1. Vivian Henry
2. Joyce Sam
3. Danielle Huffman
4. Eleanor Sam
5. Ilona Vent
6. LeAnne Bifelt
Huslia Snowshoe Race Results
Men’s Old Timers Race
1. Alvin Dayton
Women’s Old Timers
1 Agnes Dayton
2 Joyce Sam
Men’s Race
1. Joe Bifelt 19.43
2. Darrell Sam 20.05
3. Kevin Albert 22.38
4. Beatus Moses 22.58
5. Bruce Sam 23.04
6. Devon Penn 23.34
7. Justin Vent 24.23
8. Seth Williams 24.24
9. Steven Woods 26.39
Women’s Race
1. Shirley Sam 4.16
2. Samantha Sam 4.30
3. Marissa McCarty 4.46
4. Lacey Sam 4.57
5. Jo Derendoff 5.51
6. Melody Oakes 5.59
7. Athena Sam 7.16
Photo from the Men’s Open Dog Race by Dolly Simon-Dayton
I just so admire the Native Alaskan culture and its emphasis on outdoor group activities that involve the entire family! It has to promote familial bonding and certainly gives the elders a conduit through which to promote and teach the ‘old’ ways and keep the culture alive.
Huslia is always known to have excellent races and other activities during Christmas and New Years. Awesome people and they have the greatest hospitality in the whole Alaska. You are always invited for a hot home cooked meal and a warm home to rest at.