Competitors seeking glory at the Haines Winter Olympics Saturday might bring a dog and a pot of their best chili. Opening ceremonies of the event – which features the “I-Kid-A-Rod” sled dog race and a chili cook-off – start 10 a.m. at Harriett Hall at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds.

Everyone is invited and there are no entry fees, but events at the Haines version of the “winter games” are subject to change at the last minute, depending on weather conditions.

“For the biathlon, people might be competing on skis, snowshoes or grippers. It depends on what we have on the ground,” said Jessica Edwards, organizer and executive director of the Southeast Alaska State Fair. “People should come with all their gear to see what they can do.”

The “I-Kid-A-Rod” pits youths against each other on sleds pulled by their dogs, or loaner dogs along a 75-foot course. “There are often dogs for hire out there. There are people with kids and no dogs, and people with dogs and no kids. So people tend to mix and match.”

Technically, there’s no age limit on the event, but adult sled jockeys are at a distinct disadvantage riding a one dog-powered sled. “You really want a tiny jockey in there,” Edwards said. Ten teams raced last year.

The fair has hosted a Winter Olympics intermittently since 1999, when seven events – including curling, turkey bowling and figure skating – were held on an ice rink under the flag-draped Payson’s Pavilion.

Topsy-turvy winter weather has always posed a challenge.

A hockey tournament was scheduled last year, but when warm weather turned the fairgrounds’ rink to slush, a skillet-tossing competition was held instead. “The weather looks good for Saturday, but we’ll have contigency events if it changes,” Edwards said. Temperatures cold enough for hockey will nix skillet-tossing at the rink. “The hockey players are a little bit sensitive about what happens to the surface of the ice.”

Tournament organizer Daymond Hoffman said he’s planning an adult 3-on-3 pond hockey tournament, including a fourth, reserve player on each team to keep play lively. A slot goal will be used and players should wear what level of protective gear they’re comfortable with, he said. As many as 30 adults have played this winter, Hoffman said. “The more people, the better. All skill levels are welcome. We’ll take everyone who comes out and spread out the talent so teams are even.”

Edwards said the tea-boiling contest also will be held. Contestants get an armful of wood, an ax, a pan, and a lighter.The first to boil water wins.

Chili entries should arrive in an electric pot to be kept warm during the outdoor event. Chili makers without a hot pot can make arrangements with organizers in advance. The fair will provide chili fixings.

The schedule includes: Opening Ceremonies, 10 a.m .; BB Gun Biathlon, 10:15 a.m .; Sled Dog Pull, 11 a.m .; Tea-Making Contest, 11:30 a.m .; Kids’ Hockey Game, 12:15 p.m .; Hockey Tournament, 1 p.m.

For more information or to volunteer to help with events, contact Edwards at 766-2476.