We had a wonderful celebration of the Yukon Quest last night at the Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks. Starting with music from The Rock Bottom Stompers and a chance to catch up with fellow mushers, handlers, friends and fans.
There was a lot of effort put into the table decorations with the napkins folded into dog bones, battery operated toy huskies, sponsor tote bags and first day covers from Quest’s past.
Chris and Ruth; place setting
The Colours were presented by the UAF US Army ROTC followed by Theresa Bauer-Burger’s powerful Canadian and US Anthems. Pastor Jim Hardenbrook delivered the Invocation and Don Honea, Traditional Chief of Doyon, Ltd – Tanana Chiefs Conference welcomed everyone to Fairbanks. Don himself was a Quest and Iditarod musher so understood the challenges the mushers faced. Karl Kassel, the Mayor of Fairbanks North Star Borough, who was a sprint musher, continued the welcome, as did Jim Matherly, Mayor of the City of Fairbanks. Jim admitted he is highly allergic to dogs but still appreciates their ability and loyalty from afar. LeRoy Shank, one of the founding fathers of the Quest was also there to say a few words.
Amazing cake by Michaela Gilly from Bella Noche Cakes; the program for the evening
We then were treated to a ten minute video put together by the Quest Visual Content Team that moved many of us. The whole room cheered for Ryne and her team over a raging Eagle Summit. Keep an eye on the YQ Facebook Page and You Tube Channel as they are sure to post it for us all to enjoy over and over.
Each musher took to the stage to thank their teams and tell some trail stories: spontaneous brownies on the trail, bigger summits than could be imagined, amazing hospitality and the “Quest Family”. Matt Hall received a standing ovation as he went to the stage and Keeper and Anchor enjoyed their moment in the spotlight as Golden Harness winners.
Congratulations to all the other prizewinners at last night’s Prizegiving. For a full account check out this excellent article on the Yukon Quest website.
Allen’s 3rd place trophy
Aliy’s 2nd place prize from Alaska Rod’s
WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!
Thanks ever so much for the lovely description of the event – and beautiful photos, too!!!
Best,
Margaret
Wow…cool prizes all the way around!! For any Fan wanting to hear the whole Banquet, I highly recommend the play back video via the YQ FB page….its very insightful! That said….IF our Cabin here in the Adirondacks was on or near the YQ trail….you bet we would have "brownies from no-where" on the trail….my goodness the YQ Trail is Magical!! WE LOVE THIS TRAIL!!! Already looking forward to next year!!
Oops – need to amend prior posting. Alaska Rod's knives are definetly quality and beauty in all they do. Congrats Ality!
I think YQ is my favorite race. It's on my bucket list (no! Not to race it!!). Thanks so much for all of the wonderful coverage, Moira. Thinking of you as you regroup with barely enough time to catch your breath and prepare for the "next big race". All our best!