Organizers of the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races, the longest sled dog race in the eastern United States, have announced the cancellation of this year's event due to a lack of snow. The 250-mile race, a marquee event in northern Maine, has been called off as snowfall in the area has been well below average this year. The National Weather Service reported that Fort Kent, where the races are held, received only 46.8 inches of snow, significantly lower than the usual 80 inches by this time of year.

Can-Am president Dennis Cyr stated that the decision to cancel the race was made in the interest of the well-being of all involved, as the forecasted heavy rainstorm and unseasonably warm weather would have resulted in unsafe trail conditions. The races, founded in 1992, have faced challenges in the past too, with reroutes occurring due to varying conditions. In 2017, a cold snap led to last-minute changes, while the 2021 races were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races, which attract thousands of spectators and contribute valuable tourism dollars to the region, are a tradition that celebrates the bond between mushers and their sled dogs, as well as the winter beauty of Maine. While this year's race cannot proceed, organizers are already planning for a return in the coming year, aiming to bring back the beloved event to the rural region of the Northeast.