Iditarod 2015 Sign Up Day and Picnic



Iditarod will start next year on March 7th in Downtown Anchorage. Allen and Aliy have both signed up for the 2015 race. The first day to sign up was yesterday at Race Headquarters in Wasilla.

Aliy was able to attend the event while Allen worked their regularly scheduled Princess Cruise presentation in Denali National Park. (Don't worry… Allen was able to send his paperwork with Aliy in order to sign up for the race as well!)

Sixty mushers signed up for the 2015 race yesterday. Thirty-six competitors were at the picnic in person and another twenty-four mailed in their entries. Fifteen of the mushers are rookies. More entries will come in over the next five months until the race entry deadline at the close of business on Friday, December 1st.

It was an exciting day at Race Headquarters for mushers, fans and volunteers.

It was a gorgeous sunshine-filled day for the picnic which was catered by long-time Iditarod sponsors -- the Golden Corral Buffet and Grill -- This popular Anchorage eatery is a family owned business and a fabulous place to grab a quick and nutritious bite to eat anytime of the day.

Aliy was there to thank the many volunteers that make the Iditarod possible. Mushers are not always 'approachable' during the race, so she felt that it was important to really take some time out and thank the people who make it all happen!


Terry -- a long-time volunteer who works tirelessly on the Iditarod Trail in and around the Rohn Checkpoint -- and Aliy share trail stories; Doreen, Golden Corral owner and her granddaughter share a 'pink t-shirt moment' with Aliy.


Galena 'Comms' Director told Aliy "You were even smiling in Galena!"; Aliy thanks Jim for all his Iditarod service. He helped design the dropped dog transport kennels.

There were also many race fans in attendance. Folks came to Alaska for the event to meet mushers and enjoy the festivities. Race Headquarters played historic Iditarod race videos throughout the day and the gift shop was busy. Jeff Schultz, official Iditarod photographer, had his new photo book -- Chasing Dogs -- available for purchase.


Aliy gave out SP Kennel Dog Trading Cards to fans of all ages and signed autographs.

On a personal note, Aliy got to chat with long-time SP Kennel friend, Margie, who has opened her kennel in Knik to the SP Kennel dogs during the race for many years. Her generosity is overwhelming to us! And, it's always a GREAT day when Aliy gets to meet a new canine friend!


Margie and Aliy shared future cookie recipes; Aliy meets a "new friend".