The 27th Can-Am Crown International Dog Sled Races were held this weekend in Fort Kent, Maine. 56 mushers and dog teams competed in three Crown races: 27 in the 30-mile race, 15 in the 100-mile race, and 14 in the 250-mile race which is a qualifier for the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. 

Irving Woodlands LLC is proud to sponsor the 250-mile race and to provide awards to the top 12 finishers in each event. Fort Kent is one of Irving Woodlands 9 districts which play a very important role in the economic, social and environmental health of the state. 

"Fort Kent is home to so many of our Maine employees.  We've been part of Aroostook County for over 70 years and the Can-AM Crown is an event we look forward to every year.  The community spirit is amazing and we are pleased to support the event with our own volunteers and BBQ for everyone attending this great event.  A large portion of the race is through our woodlands and we help out along the sled course too." says Peter Tabor, Regional Manager for Irving Woodlands in Maine. 

The Can-Am runs through Allagash, Fort Kent, Portage, and many towns in-between in Northern Maine. 

Our teams arrived home after two and a half days with tired dogs and happy faces. In first place, Martin Massicotte of St. Tite, Quebec. This is Martin's 10th championship at the Irving 250 in the Can-Am Crown. In second place, Andre Longchamps of Pont-Rouge, Quebec and in third place, Kathryn Langlais of Glenwood, New Brunswick. Congratulations to our winners!

This year the refreshment tent, sponsored by Irving Woodlands, served over 800 hot-dogs and hamburgers, 35 gallons of chili and 16 gallons of hot chocolate to the hungry spectators and volunteers. 

Our thanks to the wonderful group of community volunteers in Fort Kent whose hard work and spirit make this event such a great success every year and a favorite on the Irving Woodlands calendar.

Martin Massicotte - First Place

Andre Longchamps - Second Place

Kathryn Langlais - Third Place

About the Can-Am Crown:

The Can-Am Crown organization was founded on October 16, 1992 as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Maine. It was established to provide a mid-distance sled dog race to a growing community of mushers from throughout the international region and to enhance the region's image as a travel destination. The Can-Am Crown 250 has rapidly gained popularity as the longest sled dog race in the eastern United States.

For more information please visit here.