January 28, 2014 (Traverse City, MI) – Every year the annual North American VASA Festival of cross country ski races attracts hundreds of adult skiers. The two-day event is also a chance for children ages 5-12 to participate in friendly races with cheering crowds, medals, and cookies.

Junior VASA © North American VASA

Junior VASA races are back for a seventh year offering classic and freestyle skiing events of one or two loops on the special Junior VASA course, grouped by ages. Racers are not timed, but a large clock is running so skiers and parents can check times.

“The races take place on a unique, fun course,” said VASA president Pete LaPlaca,  “lined with the same cheering crowds as other races. Cowbells, a Nordic tradition, will be available for all to cheer on the kids. Moms and Dads should make sure that they bring their cowbells or other noise makers as well as their cameras.”

All junior racers receive a custom VASA medal at the finish line as well as a BoomChunka cookie provide by Cherry Republic.

The 38^th annual North American VASA takes place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8-9, at Timber Ridge Resort. Junior VASA races are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8. Registration is $5.

Junior VASA races include:

• 12:30 pm: Single fun loop; ages 5-7.
• 12:40 pm: Single fun loop; ages 8-9.
• 12:50 pm: Double fun loop; ages 10-12.

 The finish line will be alive with the clamor of cowbells and a pat on the back from a large green dinosaur, Vasasaurus, who makes a yearly appearance at the event.

“Junior VASA skiers are VASA skiers of the future,” said Nancy Briggs, co-director of the Junior VASA races. “Hopefully they’ll remember the fun they had and continue the sport for their entire lives.”

Junior VASA registrations are available in advance on the VASA web site, www.vasa.org, and on race day beginning at 10 am in the Timber Ridge main lodge. Parents and children should arrive ready to ski and allow time to complete the registration and waiver forms and pick up skier race bibs.

For more information on the two-day North American VASA, go to www.vasa.org.