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| Thousands jammed the streets to cheer drivers and teams for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It's called "The Last Great Race" and, around Alaska, interest in the Iditarod dwarfs the Super Bowl or any other event. Throughout Alaska, the events leading up to the race dominate the media, continuing for days until the finish. My wife Mary and I were sampling the winter activities around Anchorage, and we quickly got caught up in the electric mood of the start of Alaska's most famous sporting event. At the ceremonial start many viewers carried newspapers that featured photos and biographies of each entrant. Strolling vendors offered pins, hats, posters and other race souvenirs, while others sold cooked reindeer sausage, beverages and other temptations.Local favorites like Jeff King, Dee Dee Jonrowe and Martin Buser loped their sled dog teams through the sprawling block party to boisterous cheers and whoops.
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