Today was a day the teachers have been waiting all week for!  Today was the volunteer picnic and first day mushers can sign up for the 2017 Iditarod.  It was a beautiful day spent meeting rookies, chatting with veterans, and listening to stories from the volunteers.  By the end of the picnic there were 52 mushers signed up—12 rookies and 40 veterans.

Mushers chatting with one another!

Towards the end of the picnic each year there is an official handing over of the Teacher on the Trail sleeping bag which was very exciting.  Laura has done a fantastic job leading the way this year, and I am honored to represent the Iditarod, teachers around the world, and my school as the 2017 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail.

The last thing that happens at the picnic is a drawing for 2 free entries for the race.  Mushers must be present to win, so many stick around until the very end so they have a chance to win back the $4,000 entry fee.  This year one of the winners was Cindy Abbott, whom the teachers spent a lot of time this week.  Cindy’s reaction was so heartwarming, and the teachers excitedly cheered her on!  We cannot wait to follow Cindy’s journey on the 2017 race!

A very excited Cindy Abbott!

The teachers cheering on Cindy after she won a free entry for the race

Check out the Iditarod website to see if your favorite musher is signed up for the 2017 Iditarod!