Louise St. Laurent
Louise St. Laurent
BRISTOL – The rainy, cold weather didn’t damper the spirits of racers and spectators at the 4th annual Bristol Dryland Races, held October 26-27. The air was filled with excitement as the races began, with more than 100 teams participating in 6 different races. The 2 day event, held at Timberland Tours, was a huge success again this year. “Every year we get bigger and better,” said Denis Rozon, owner of Timberland Tours, and coordinator of the Bristol Dryland Races.
With the newly expanded parking area for racers, wider trails, and new viewing stands for the spectators, the races went perfectly. There were a total of 24 teams from the United States, 17 from Ontario, 2 from Alberta, and many others from other countries and provinces. $10,500 was split between the final winners of the races and hand crafted trophies were presented on Sunday. Racers and their teams were treated to a spaghetti supper made by Café 349.
James Azola entertained for the weekend with his African music, and local vendors displayed their products. Local butcher, Brian Presley, served his homemade sausages and more throughout the weekend. “We are more than happy to be here for the Dryland Races. We will be donating half the profits from our sales over the weekend to the event,” said Presley, who has a butcher shop in Shawville at Langford’s Grocery. Countless volunteers were on hand to direct racers, give out information, and chat with the crowd at the bonfire.
“Racers are getting to know who we are and want to race at Timberland. They love the track and the challenge,” explained Rozon. The 2015 World Championships in dog racing will be held in Bristol. “It’s exciting to think we are going to be hosting the World Championship here in the Pontiac,” said one spectator. “The event brings in business to the surrounding area every year, boosting the Pontiac’s tourism industry, and with Bristol hosting the World Championship in 2015, the Pontiac will definitely be placed on the map,” continued the spectator.
