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You may have heard of the Iditarod, the grueling winter dog sled race across Alaska. If that interests you, go to their web site. (I warn you, though, that the video on the home page features Sarah Palin.) This is the Idiotarod. It's an event that has been around a few American cities and spread to St. Louis this weekend. In the name of charity, people use a shopping cart for a dogsled and four team members as dogs. A fifth is the driver. They dress up and decorate the cart to a theme. The group above had a 1920's gangster thing going. Below, our public radio station, KWMU 90.7 FM, went for a NASCAR look. The whole thing was put together by The Downtown St. Louis Partnership for the benefit of Operation Food Search.
Friday's race (race for what was not clear to me) was for corporate contestants. I think there were seven or eight. Today is the open competition. Downtown St. Louis officials told me they expected twenty-odd [sic] teams. I'll be back today to shoot more merriment. Stay tuned.
You may have heard of the Iditarod, the grueling winter dog sled race across Alaska. If that interests you, go to their web site. (I warn you, though, that the video on the home page features Sarah Palin.) This is the Idiotarod. It's an event that has been around a few American cities and spread to St. Louis this weekend. In the name of charity, people use a shopping cart for a dogsled and four team members as dogs. A fifth is the driver. They dress up and decorate the cart to a theme. The group above had a 1920's gangster thing going. Below, our public radio station, KWMU 90.7 FM, went for a NASCAR look. The whole thing was put together by The Downtown St. Louis Partnership for the benefit of Operation Food Search.Friday's race (race for what was not clear to me) was for corporate contestants. I think there were seven or eight. Today is the open competition. Downtown St. Louis officials told me they expected twenty-odd [sic] teams. I'll be back today to shoot more merriment. Stay tuned.
OH, AND BY THE WAY, today is also the Chiditarod! Team member and world-famous Chicago photoblogger U "R" Us has weaseled his way into becoming the official volunteer photographer. Check Chicago Flair tomorrow as St. Louis and the Windy City both feature very silly people running around with shopping carts.
How very strange to use the name of that famous race. I've seen film of this and have been astounded at what the dogs and handlers (I know that's not the correct name but can't remember it) go through. It looks like one of those 'only in America' events. Great reportage, Bob and photos.
ReplyDeleteOh I see! I'm the idiot! I didn't read properly the name. Duh!
ReplyDeleteThis is a city with a sense of humor. What a great way to pass some of the last days of winter.
ReplyDeleteYou found another StL event. What a hoot! Staying tuned....
ReplyDeleteOff hand I'd say if Palin was at the race they need to change it to Idiotarod as well! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is way too funny. I can't wait to see more. I'll visit A's blog as well.
V
We have a similar dog race in Duluth, MN which is always a thrill to watch. This race provides a different kind of "thrill," I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot! Similar to the "Bay-to-Breakers" out here...
ReplyDelete