Iditarod pioneer., 1917-04-07
LIVELY TIMES AT FLAT
 MARK PASSING OF WINTER
 AND RESUMPTION OF WORK

AND KESUlMP HUN UT WUKk | In celebration of no particular occason but with the general idea of having 3 good time as a windup to the season of enforced inactivity, the good people of Flat last Sat urday and Sunday entertained the people of l the district with series of entertainments that constituted one of the most enjoyable fetes ever given here. Commencing Satur- 1 day forenoon with the ladies dog team race, the program was continued with ball in the evening and wound up the following evening with a smoker under the auspices of the Moose lodge
 The Race
 Not in many moons has there been as much interest displayed in dog race as was in evidence Saturday last The lady drivers had prepared earnestly for the event, and there was much discussion as to the respec- tive merits of the various teams. There | is little doubt that more money changed hands on this contest than on the mems race on St. Patric2's day. On the eve of the race there was 6 general fear that the event might have to be called off because of diff ferences as to the terms and conditions. But late Friday evening it was announced that the match would take place, starting at II 80 a. m.
 There were five contestants, and each showed considerable skill in the handling of her charges Mrs George Mutchler, driving Sure Stenberg's dogs, was the favorlte ln the betting, but there were many who placed great hopes on the success of Mrs Currn and Mrs King In fact, all of the contest ants were believed to have good chance for first money, the element of luck being considered to be quite factor. The teams got away to a good start, and made excellent time on the first lap, to Dis covery, and throughout the race Mrs. klng. Mrs. Currin and Mrs. Mutchler were closely 1 punched. Mrs Gus Christoph, who led from | Fiat to Discovery and return, experienced considerable difficulty with her dogs between Flat and the Summit, and never regalned the time lost otherwise she was a serious contender in the race. Mrs. Perry, who started last, passed her on the last lap, be- tween the Summit and Flat.
 Mrs. Mutchler kept steady gait through out the race. having excellent control Of her dogs, and won the event in the exceedingly good time of ? 05 10.
 The feature of the race, however was the game contest between Mrs. Currin and Mrs. King fer second place and the narrow mar gin by which Mrs. Currin secured second money-I3 seconds-tells its own tale SeI- shown more skill, determination and grls than did these ladies. Like veteran dog mushers, they relieved the strain on their teams by running wherever there was a piece of bad trail, and when they crossed the finish line at Flat, leading their bewil dered dogs through the crowds of cheering holiday makers, they were highly compE- mented on their splendid performance.
 The official time of the race will be sound elsewhere
 The Ball
 In the evening the Moose lodge gave a | ball, which was largely attended lditarod was we'll represented, and in fact there were many visitors from all outlying districts. The music which was excellent, was fur nished by Mrs King and Mir Jacobs, and l Garrison C0star occasionally relieved the former at the piano. Quite number of newcomers over the trail were present, and some new ideas as to the latest dances were in evidence
 Dancing was ndulged in until after mid night, when supper was announced, and the spread was a credit to the caterers. Two servings were necessary to accommodate the great crowd in the spacious upstairs hall of the Moose lodge
 Dancing was resumed after supper, and was continued until late hour During 1 the evening Mir. Costar was called upon to present the prizes for the ladies dog race. Four prizes were to have been awarded, but an additional prize of 9 gold locket was awarded to Mrs. Christoph, so that all of the contestants were rewarded The first prize of $10O was given to Mrs. Mutchler; second, S5O Mrs Currin; third, $35, Mrs King; fourth, sl5, Mrs. Perry. Mir. Costar added to the general good spirit prevailing by ndulging in a few remarks appropriate to the occasion.
 The dance wound up rather abruptly owing to the indspostion of Mrs. King, who presided at the piano. The excitement and fatigue of the day had been too much for her. and she collapsed. It was learned later that her condition was not at all seri- ous, and that she had almost recovered. AnI Tba4