Yukon Quest Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of February, with the next observance on February 7. This event encourages adventure with Siberian Huskies, which have been working alongside humans in inland Alaska for over 10,000 years. The celebration honors the historical significance of sled dogs, particularly during the Alaskan Gold Rush when Leonhard Seppala introduced the Siberian Husky, a smaller breed compared to native Alaskan canines. The Yukon Quest itself is a 1,000-mile sled dog race from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon, conceived in 1983 by four Alaskans. The race emphasizes endurance and self-reliance, contrasting with the Iditarod's numerous checkpoints. The first Yukon Quest took place in 1984, testing both race logistics and participant capabilities, with 26 teams starting and 20 finishing the race.