FARMINGTON — The seventh annual Farmington Dog Sled races originally scheduled for this weekend have been postponed due to a shortage of snow.

The races known as “Farmington Frolic” have been rescheduled to take place Feb. 20 and 21, said organizers Joy and Mark Turner.

The sled races, held in the fields of Bussie York’s farm on the Farmington Falls Road, need at least 10 inches of snow to cover the holes, ice and corn stalks, she said.

Recent January rains and warmer temperatures followed by cold have created icy conditions with corn stalks showing and the Turners want to put on a good and safe race.

The third weekend of February was chosen to try to avoid a second postponement, and competition with other dog sled races. There’s a race in New York and one in Canada that weekend but the Turner’s hope for at least 50 dog sled teams out of the normal 85 to 100 that normally attend.

“Participants really like this race and it’s a good viewing race for spectators as they can see the teams from along the road,” Joy said.

The Turners who race their teams in places like Oxford, Bridgton, Newport and Jackman, wanted one to take place around here and avoid a little traveling. They organized the race and with help from local sponsors, Wenda Hunter and Paul Meyer, and the New Sharon Snow Riders snowmobile club, which helps pack down trails, bring several racers and their dogs to Farmington to compete. Mt. Blue High School students also help by developing posters and bulletins for the event.

“It’s a lot of work and the postponement drags it out but we really enjoy it,” she said. “It’s good for the community and for getting people and spectators outside. It’s a fun thing to do.”

The Turners have only had to cancel once due to lack of snow and postpone one year till March when they fought melting snow, she said. They are hoping for more snow before Feb. 20.

abryant@sunjournal.com