The Iditarod tried something new this year with a Meet and Greet prior to the banquet in the Dena’ina Centre in Anchorage this evening. This proved to be a huge success with thousands of fans and supporters getting a chance to get posters signed, selfies taken and hands shook. It was a good chance for fans to meet their favourite mushers without feeling like they were interrupting their dinner or talking over the events of the evening.
The party then moved downstairs into the main function room for the Mushers’ Banquet and Bib Draw.
It was an entertaining evening that started off with the invocation from Mike Williams Senior who asked the spirits to bless the race. We got got to see some great auction prizes won, witness special dedications to Honorary Musher Joee Reddington and the first winner of the Iditarod, Dick Wilmarth and his dog Hotfoot, and eat a delicious meal. Of course, the best part is hearing from the mushers as they draw their bibs for the race.
It was a real celebration of the Iditarod, the dogs, the mushers and the supporters.
Every table was decorated with a hand-made centre piece by students from from Eastern Elementary, Ohio, Ferry Farm Elementary, Virginia, Gilman School, Maryland, Holy Cross, Delaware, Mason Intermediate Elementary, Ohio, Newport Middle Schoo, Pennsylvania, Northern Lights Christian Academy, Wisconsin, Togiak School, Alaska and Viroqa Middle School in Wisconsin.
BTW: Allen drew bib #26 and Aliy #31. A wee bit of a handlers nightmare but we will make it work!
Yeah Aliy and Allen!! This is your year to win Aliy!! My best wishes and prayers are with you from start to win!
Getting close to time to put the “paws on the ground”! Looking forward to the next week and wishing the Red and Black teams great success.
Wohoo! And so it begins! It was great to see Aliy on the live Facebook broadcast for a bit last night from “helicopter guy” that she helped pick out his daughter’s birthday gift. It obviously meant so much to him that she was thoughtful enough to ask….even in all that craziness! And THOSE little moments are what make SPK special to us. So, the Straw Ladies are ready and “cheering in Erie!”
Another sucessful banquet over and one step towards the big day! Glad to hear the new style Meet and Greet went smoothly and the fans enjoyed the easy and organized access to their Mushing idols! Also hats off to that gal who sung the National Athem when the Glee Club was MIA! Wow….impromptu pitch perfect!
Enjoy your “day off” today, things are about to get crazy soon enough!
The bib draw numbers are really close together. Last year, or maybe the year before I remember the bib draw being somewhat close, but I don’t remember it being this close. You handlers always get it done though, because you are awesome! Have a restful day in preparation of the next two, very busy days. We’re ready to roll! Go SPK Red & Black teams.
I just watched Aliy’s Insider interview and love to hear her talk about the dog team. Nomex must be taking over Scout’s position making sure they all take it seriously. Fun stuff!
Yes, 10 minutes between team starts will be quite a challenge, ouch. After Allen drew, I was hoping Aliy would get a 40+ number. I guess Saturday will be the dry run. I suppose you will have both teams ready to go, and just take them to the start one at a time, with a last minute bootie check on a certain leader. 😉
I love what Aliy had to say at the podium when after she drew her number. It’s no wonder everyone loves you Aliy.
Aliy’s team looks smokin’ this year, as she said in her Insider video! I’d love to have Aliy win, but just having a safe and healthy race is the most important thing! Good luck to her and Allen
WOOF WOOF WOOF
Schedule for the next days puts SP Kennel first in our consciousness.
GO #31!!! GO #26!!!
Beemer, Viper and I watched you folks on Live Stream last night. Sounded like the SPK troops were “out in force” with the whooping support Allen and Aliy got when they went to the podium!! Have a Great Race and may the wind be at your backs. GO SPK!!!
Sounds like a wonderful evening. Wish I was there! I was hoping the time in between was
not so short but sure the Great Handlers can work their magic. Will be watching
tomorrow and till the end. Good Luck and Go SPK!!!
Good numbers and we all KNOW SP Kennel handlers can “Handle” it. Great photos (loved the photobomb Linda!) I get very melancholy at race time. Wish I was there again.
Have a great day today to pull in your focus and prepare. We’re warming up the refresh fingers all over the world for ya!
Good luck SP kennels. We are cheering you on.
Almost time to rock and roll. Good luck. Stay safe and I hope the weather will cooperate.
Laine Family
I would have loved to be there! Maybe next year. So Black and Red teams start in the middle of the pack–but will not stay there, well the Black may but not the Red! Many prayers and good wishes are riding along with you all–all 34 heading down that trail. And thanks for the good photos and report–a comfy consolation since I could not be there. As always SPK is 110% a class act!!!
Love all the pictures, especially the ones with Heidi Solan. She taught my children and we all are so proud of her accomplishments as Teacher on the Trail. Good luck SP Kennel!!! I will be watching you as I refresh, refresh and refresh again.