Herrmann selected to participate in Fjallraven Polar

Sales rep Walter Herrmann will participate in Fjallraven Polar 2017.COVINGTON, La. — As far as Christmas presents go, Walter Herrmann believes his big surprise for 2016 certainly ranks up there.

The long-time retailer and sales representative got word on Dec. 21 that he was selected to participate in April’s Fjallraven Polar, a 300-kilometer dog sled trek between Norway and Sweden that takes place above the Arctic Circle.

For each iteration of the dog sled event, Fjallraven – the Swedish outdoor clothing and gear company – picks a pair of representatives from 13 participating countries and regions. One pick is that country’s leading vote getter. The second is taken via a jury.

Herrmann, who raises and races Samoyeds, finished second in the vote and was tapped for inclusion by the panel.

“The emotions were pouring out when I heard (that I was selected),” Herrmann said. “They were all over the place, from joy, gratefulness, excitement. It was amazing. The first person I called – because I was on the road working – was my wife, and she could barely understand what I was saying.”

Shortly after his family found out, Herrmann said congratulations began pouring in from his industry friends.

“The Parker House people got word, and I got emails and texts, Facebook posts and so forth from all over the place from the Parker House people, Acme people, King Koil,” he said.

While the selection is still fresh in his mind, Herrmann said he’s going to start turning his attention to additional training soon. In the meantime, he said the picture is starting to become clearer.

“As far as the details of the event, that’s going to start coming to me. I don’t have the precise details of the event down to the minute,” he said. “I got the first detail yesterday asking for size of clothing and shoes and so forth to make sure the equipment is properly fitted to me to make sure I withstand the elements.”

The 2017 edition of Fjallraven Polar takes place in early April, so Herrmann says he will get to participate and then follow it up with plenty of stories to tell at the April 22-26 High Point Market.