AK on the GO

Yes, we at AKontheGO firmly believe it’s never too early to start planning for the weekend, so here we are getting ready for Iditarod 2010’s Ceremonial Start in Anchorage. A great family-friendly day of watching sled dogs, mushers, and the incredible amount of teamwork on the part of everybody involved, the Ceremonial Start is an interesting introduction to Alaska’s favorite outdoor race.

Admittedly, AK Fam rarely ventures into the Start chute anymore; with hoardes of people, dogs and media, it’s insane. We go south to the Bureau of Land Management’s federally-owned airstrip, the finish line for this first day of the 1,000 miles to Nome. This year, you can too, thanks to a cooperative effort between BLM, Campbell Creek Science Center, and Iditarod.

From 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, the Campbell Creek Science Center  off  Elmore Road will open the facility to anyone wanting to warm up, eat their picnic lunch, or learn more about the Historic Iditarod Trail.  From the Center, a short walk takes spectators to the Airstrip, where teams will emerge from the woods on the final mile of Day One.

The only catch is parking. Fortunately, CCSC will provide shuttle buses from Kasuun Elementary School, the BLM Field Office, and Abbott Loop Ball Fields to the Science Center. The buses will run approximately every fifteen minutes or so.

On Friday we’ll talk more about what to bring for the optimum Iditarod family viewing experience. But for now, plan to make tracks to the Science Center on Saturday. Mush on!