On a crisp morning in January, rescued Siberian huskies excitedly strain against their harnesses, pulling taut the cords that link dog to man. At an official's nod, the musher gives his command. The wheeled sled lurches into motion, building speed until it becomes a fluid canine locomotive.

This is the Alaska Serum Run Re-enactment dog sled relay from Abingdon to Damascus, the premier event of the annual Virginia Creeper Trail Winterfest. The relay commemorates the 1925 dog sled transit of diphtheria antitoxin to the stricken Nome, Alaska popularly fictionalized in the animated film Balto. Winterfest events include a Mushers' Dinner, lumberjack competition, canine weight-pull, herding demonstrations and a dachshund race. Winterfest is organized by Siberian Husky Assist.

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