I didn't Iditarod!

Due to many unforeseen circumstances (see previous post about the lock out) I missed the Official Iditarod start (Sunday) in Willow--bummer! But I did attend a dinner at the De'nina Center--that's the big conference center in Anchorage--for the Mushers to draw their starting place/post for the race. It was very cool--the Mushers went up on stage and drew a number out of some famous Musher's mukluk for his/her starting place. It was very festive and fun--I think you have to be kind of important or spend money with Wells Fargo Bank to get invited. Since I don't qualify for either of those, I think it could be 'who you know' thing too!

I did (sort of) make it down to the Saturday ceremonial start in Anchorage--well I saw the end of it and all of the Fur Rondy activities. I even tried a reindeer sausage hot dog that was sold on the street--yum! Poor Donner or Blitzen! There was a carnival--rides and all--outside, (yes, I took pictures!) and also, a snow sculpture contest, a fur auction, sled dog rides and many assorted street vendors selling things from food to Native crafts.

It's Anchorage's equalivent of the Cherry Festival--