Iditarod just one part of March's festivities

In my capacity as marketing manager for the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau I have the privileged opportunity to work with travel writers from around the world who are covering unique and exciting events. I have to say, the Mat-Su Valley is the place to be for showcasing such opportunities.

One of the biggest media grabbing events claims the Mat-Su Valley its home -- the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Slated to start in Anchorage on March 6, this year a record number of mushers have registered to run the "Last Great Race." So what are some ways you can take advantage of seeing this international event? This year's restart is scheduled to take place March 7 at the brand new Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex. For those who can't wait to see the complex, the grand opening is the day before.

Once the race has started you can still get a glimpse of the teams and cheer them on along the route at one of the wilderness lodges located near Skwentna and Finger Lake. Some local flightseeing companies have special Iditarod packaged air rates to one of these lodges and encourage early reservations. Contact the Mat-Su CVB for a list of these companies.

If you think watching the start of the race is exciting, imagine what witnessing the first teams to cross the finish line must be like. Alaska Airlines has published special Iditarod event fares to Nome on its Web site to encourage people to do just that. Visit the site for availability and rates.

For a select few, the Idita-Rider rogram lends an opportunity for the non-musher type to get in on the action by riding in the basket of an Iditarod musher's sled during the 11-mile ceremonial start. This year bids ranged from $850 to in excess of $7,500 to win this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Money raised from the Idita-Rider rogram supports the operation of the event. This year a record $138,659 was raised. For those interested in the 2005 program, the bidding process starts Nov. 1.

Of course there are lots of other fun-filled events leading up to the Iditarod Race. Locally the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce is organizing the annual Iditarod Days Festival, starting with a fireworks display Friday evening, Feb. 27. The festival also includes a "Shop the Valley" tradeshow filled with local vendor booths, live entertainment and of course, dog sled rides. New for this year is a murder mystery dinner party, "On the Trail to Murder," that is a special fund-raiser for the chamber. The United Way of Mat-Su is co-sponsoring the first Iditarod Days Hockey Classic Tournament, which will be one of the first events to take place in the Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex. Contact the chamber for details.

Perhaps not as well known as the Iditarod Sled Dog Race is the Iditarod Trail Invitational, a human powered ultra-marathon for mountain bikers, skiers and runners. This race, formerly known as the Iditasport, starts on Knik Lake on Feb. 28. The race follows the Iditarod Trail to McGrath, the finish line for the 350-mile race and on to Nome, for those competing in the full 1,100-mile race.

According to race organizer Bill Merchant, racers come from around the world to compete in what may very well be the longest, least supported winter race in the world. Last year 33 racers from 11 countries participated. Merchant also said the race to McGrath usually takes racers between five and 10 days, and those continuing to Nome will be on the trail from 15 to 30 days.

Lastly, one of Southcentral Alaska's great winter events is the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous. The festival dates back approximately 69 years ago and is one of North America's largest winter events. This year the festivities have already begun but will come to a close on March 7, the same day as the Iditarod Re-start.

So get yourself revved up for this year's winter festivals by showing your support in attending.

For more information about festivals and events or to submit event information for the MSCVB Event Calendar, call 746-5000 or visit www.alaskavisit.com.