FORT KENT, Maine — The Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races are proud to spotlight the return of a beloved fundraiser that blends local craftsmanship with race-week excitement. Northern Neighbors Quilters have donated their 23rd Can-Am Raffle Quilt, titled “Racing Through the Woods.”
Members of NNQ in Fort Kent and surrounding communities pieced together the treasured quilt, which measures 91 by 91 inches. Keary Johnston of Winterville machine quilted the traditional cover, which features the Can-Am Crown logo designed by Absolom (Smitty) Dow.
Handmade quilts of this caliber are valued keepsakes in the homes of fans of the most challenging race east of the Mississippi. The raffle tickets are $5 each, or three for $10. Folks can buy tickets from NNQ members who will be selling tickets at the following Can-Am weekend locations:
Lonesome Pines Ski Lodge — Friday, Feb. 27 12–5:30 p.m.
Valley Auto Showroom — Saturday, Feb. 28 7 a.m. to noon
Lonesome Pines Ski Lodge — Saturday, Feb. 28 12–4 p.m.
30 & 100 Mile Awards Breakfast at Lonesome Pine — Sunday, March 1
Officials will draw the winning ticket at the Can-Am Crown 250 Awards Banquet on Tuesday, March 3 at the KC Hall in Fort Kent. Enthusiastic volunteers will be on hand to sell tickets up until the time of the drawing.Supporters may also purchase tickets by mail. Send a check along with your name, address, and phone number to:
Leonette Soucie
8 Pleasant St.
Fort Kent, ME 04743
Email: lsoucie@roadrunner.com
Proceeds benefit the Can-Am Crown and other local charitable efforts including comfort quilts for nursing/assisted living facilities, the local food pantry, the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund, the Fort Kent Senior Center and local scholarships.
NNQ reported that in 2025 the quilt raffle grossed $3,955, and Laurel Daigle of Fort Kent won the 2025 quilt “Back on the Trails”.
Visit the Can-Am Crown Raffles page for full details.
