Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
The Caledonia Classic was in full race fashion in Fort St. James.
From Feb 26-28, the race was on.
Craig Houghton, event organizer, was excited with what this year’s event had in store.
“Because of the warmer weather this year, one of the highlights is that we will have more teams participate in the stage race as compared to previous years,” Houghton said.
And so it was.
The Caledonia Classic brought in a great number participants and spectators over the weekend.
The Caledonia Classic has been a staple of the winter season in Fort St. James for about 18 years.
It is the only race that combines sprint, mid-distance and long distance races into one exciting weekend.
Houghton, along with co-organizer, Joanne Vinnedge, has helped organise the event since the very beginning and he has seen many changes over the years.
“It’s been a great turn out this year,” said Vinnedge.
“There are three races in the province but we are the biggest,” Houghton says.
The other two are in 100 Mile House and Fort Nelson, B.C.
Mushers from all over attended the Classic.
Some seasoned and some first timers, even from as far as Germany participated.
“We’ve had mushers from western Canada, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Montana and Washington take part,” Houghton said.
There was even a first time musher from Germany taking part this year.
For Houghton, the Classic has been a passion for him since the beginning and he is grateful for all of the support received from the community, the snowmobile club and the District of Fort St. James over the years.
“And it wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers,” he said.
Approximately 30-35 volunteers helped with the Classic during the week and 10 dedicated volunteers continue to help put it together leading up to the event every year.
According to Houghton and Vinnedge, the event is much more spectator friendly than in previous years.
Complete with a noon politician event and a kid and mutt race, the event proved to be something for everyone.
