It is very gratifying to see so many of you here, considering the competition for this meeting. Some of you from this part of the country are aware of only a couple of weeks ago we finished off the Fur Rendezvous Sprint races and about nine days ago the Iditarod started. Folks in this town are just dog-tired and it is a surprise to see you here. There is that great Alaskan spirit, bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed, out on the trail and here. So welcome again.