Target Iditarod Teacher on the Trail^™ Trail Tidbits 21

by Kim Slade

Mushers Sign For Fans:

Saturday, March 17, 2007 – Day 14 of the Iditarod – Sunny with winds 22 mph, 18°F. Fans descended upon the Mini Conference Center today to meet and greet their favorite mushers. All the mushers that are in Nome at this time came down to sign autographs for Iditarod enthusiasts. The place was packed! There were a variety items that mushers signed, such as Race Guides, t-shirts, Official Iditarod prints, cards, hats, and books just to name a few. Even sleep deprived, mushers had smiles on their faces and were willing to take time to talk with supporters. As I walked around, I noticed many faces that were sporting battle scars from the trail. Scars from frostbite seemed to the most common, but some like Sigrid Ekran, still had remnants of broken bones. They are a great group of people and I commend the hard work they have done providing us with a fabulous race – way to go mushers and thank you!!

Trade Beads:

These are beads that came from all over the world and were traded to Native groups in America. I went to a Native Craft Fair and learned that some of the beads that were in the beadwork were considered to be “trade beads” and were traded long ago with Europeans. The most sought after colors were typically blue and white. At one time, one Italian bead would be traded for 3 animal pelts (furs). Think about this: If a Native wanted 6 beads, how many pelts would they trade? What if they wanted 100, how many pelts would they trade?

Basketball:

Basketball is huge in Alaska. It is the one sport that can be played all year long because you can play inside. All of the schools I visited had gymnasiums and many of the communities had recreation halls with gyms. Nome hosts one the nations largest basketball tournaments that is played the week of the Iditarod – the Lonnie O’Connor Iditarod Basketball Classic.

The Businessman’s Sled Dog Race:

The Nome Kennel Club sponsors a three dog, three-mile sled dog race each year around the Iditarod. Congratulations to my friends Kathy Cappa, John White, and Lindy Franciose for a great run!!

Where is Jack?

Who is Jack with now?

One Small Square:

What do you notice about the item in this frame?

Just a Note:

Urtha Lenharr wants to say congratulations to Fairfield Elementary School in Pennsylvania, for their Iditarod Challenge!

Prices to Contemplate:

In Nome: