Senator Collins Attends Can-Am Crown Sled Dog Races

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Fort Kent, ME—U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races in Fort Kent, where she delivered remarks prior to the 250 mile race and announced the countdown for Ashley Patterson and her team from Shirley, ME.  Hundreds of spectators also attended the 28th annual event.

Senator Collins gave a special welcome to Florence Shaw, the youngest musher at just 14 years old.  This year, a record 20 women competed in the races.

“The Can-Am Crown is about international friendship and the spirit of competition.  It also is about the spirit of this great community,” said Senator Collins.  “No matter what distance you compete in, your route will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see, and you will get to know some of the nicest people you will ever meet.  Here in Fort Kent and throughout the Upper Saint John Valley, countless volunteers, generous sponsors, host families, and so many others have joined together to make this possible.”

The Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Race hosted three races with a total purse of $43,000: a 30-mile race, a 100-mile race, and the well-known 250-mile race. The 250-mile race is a qualifier for the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest.

Known as the Iditarod of the East, Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Race is one of the most challenging dog sled races in the country.