The Yukon Quest is celebrating the start of the season with their annual Birthday Party celebration tonight at the Old Fire Hall starting at 6:30 p.m.

The celebration is a kick off to the Yukon Quest season, says Wendy Morrison, the executive director of the Canadian Yukon Quest International Association.

The public is invited to come out and discover what the Yukon Quest is planning for the season, and to meet local mushers.

The evening will start with a one hour presentation by "dog guru” Wes Rau, who is in Whitehorse this weekend to hold a series of sold-out dog clinics.

Rau will help enhance guests' understanding of their dogs during his demonstration.

"It's a really incredible opportunity for the public to learn,” said Morrison.

After Rau's presentation the Yukon Quest will update the public on what's new with the Quest this year, followed by the opening of the cash raffle with $13,000 in cash prizes to be won that will be drawn at the finishing banquet of the Yukon Quest on Feb. 20.

Joe Bishop will provide the musical entertainment for the evening. After his performance there will be another update on how the public can get involved with the Quest this year.

Morrison says there will be mushers attending for the public to interact with.

"It's a chance for the whole Yukon Quest community to get together,” said Morrison. "It's a really fun, relaxed event.”

The event will go from 6:30 p.m. to about 10:30 p.m. Tickets will be $10 at the door and will include a free drink. There will be a cash bar throughout the evening.

Tickets for the raffle will be sold at the event as well as Yukon Quest merchandise and tickets to the final banquet in February.