NOME

Nome - Convention & Visitors Bureau -

There is no place like Nome, Alaska. Summer or Winter. In 1925, a diphtheria epidemic threatened the town of Nome. The much needed serum was raced from Nenana to Nome by dog team. Twenty teams relayed the medicine 674 miles in 127.5 hours. Today this historic event is commemorated with the world famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. The competition starts in Anchorage on the first Saturday in March. The first musher arrives in Nome approximately 9-11 days later. Teams continue to arrive day and night for the next week and a half. In Nome, activities include a reindeer potluck, arts & crafts shows, Iditarod awards banquets, an opportunity to "meet the mushers," the world's largest basketball tournament the Iditarod Basketball Tournament (over 50 teams in one location), the Ice Golf Classic and a dart tournament. Be sure to make hotel reservations in advance or phone the visitor center for housing assistance.