With less than four months until the start of the 2012 Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race, things are kicking into gear in Whitehorse.

The public is invited to celebrate the Yukon Quest's 29th birthday in true northern style. Fans of the race will gather at Antoinette's Restaurant at 5 p.m. on Oct. 28 for an evening of live music, food, prizes and fun with the mushers, Yukon Quest directors and staff.

Partygoers will also hear the plans for the 2012 race and Quest Fest, get an update on the registered mushers and learn how to become a part of the only international sled dog race in the world.

Antoinette will be serving up numerous delectable dishes with a cash bar open to all. The Chocolate Claim is creating a special birthday cake to celebrate the occasion.

Party guests can admire the 2012 Yukon Quest poster and lapel pins, and try on one of the new membership jackets. Coast Mountain Sports, supplier of the Quest's official merchandise in the Yukon, will have a variety of Yukon Quest items for sale, all suitable for Christmas giving.

The Quest's official radio station, CKRW "The Rush”, will also join the party live on

location.

As well, the Yukon Quest annual $10,000 Cash Raffle is underway in Whitehorse. First prize is $10,000. Second and third prizes are also easy-to-spend cash. Raffle tickets are $40 and available at numerous places around Whitehorse, including the Yukon Quest office in the White Pass Depot, Mac's Fireweed Books, Coast Mountain Sports, Duffy's Pet Store and at the birthday party.

The draw will be held Nov. 22 at the Yukon Convention Centre. Only 850 tickets are printed, which improves the odds.

The 29th annual Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race starts Feb. 4 in Fairbanks, Alaska. Quest Fest will start in Whitehorse on Feb. 13 and run until Feb. 18.