Woof! It’s a Doggone Good Friday
Anchorage goes to the dogs this weekend as the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race kicks off downtown at 10 a.m. We’ve already talked about our favorite venue for cheering on mushers and their “Idita-riders” (folks who have paid thousands of dollars to sit in the basket of a sled for this first few miles), so we’ll spare you that. If you still need additional info on viewing areas, visit the Anchorage Daily News’ web site for a map.
Iditarod is a great opportunity to introduce kids to dogs; and not just any dogs. These guys are athletes in every sense of the word, and mushers and handlers work very hard all year ’round to ensure the safety and well-being of their charges. If you want to show your kids and teens just how much goes in to putting together an Iditarod-ready sled dog team, head down to the Clarion Suites at 1110 W. Eighth Avenue from 6-7 p.m. and meet Ally Zirkle and Allen Moore. These two experienced and successful mushers will show off their team of dogs, equipment, and share strategies for the race. Best of all, dogs will be available for photo ops and licks.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center will be offering FREE admission Saturday in celebration of the Iditarod, and in partnership with Target. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., anyone and everyone is admitted free to this fantastic facility at the end of Muldoon Road. Don’t miss the new kids’ art area in the back of the cultural section. Normal admission prices are steep, so this is a great way to visit the Center.
Have yourself a merry little weekend.
