HUMAN
Name: Laura “Lulu” Wilson
Age: 56
Residence: I live in two wonderful places. I get to spend my summers in Palmer, Alaska, and I am in Matlacha, Florida. A great little island inMatlacha, Florida, and that’s in the wintertime.
Occupation: Ooh, I wear many hats. I am a wedding and event planner, I am a wedding officiant. I own a glamping business in Alaska, and I just opened a gelato stand, a great little food truck in Matlacha, Florida.
Years involved with Iditarod: I don’t even know. It’s been many on and off over the years, so I’m going to say probably a total of six.
Iditarod Role: This year is I’m taking care of the VIP package, so I’m concierge for the VIPs. There’s four groups of two.
Current Location: Anchorage, Alaska at the Lakefront Hotel.
Date of Photo: March 2, 2023
Temperature: The temperature is cold.
What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?
I first became involved with the Iditarod probably in 2012. I had some friends that were volunteers. I love animals, especially dogs. And so I said, “How do I become involved with this?” And my first time volunteering for the Iditarod was as a dog handler, and what a special magical time to be there for the ceremonial start.
What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?
I am here today and involved with the Iditarod because I’m working as a concierge for our VIP program. This is a program the Iditarod puts on as a fundraiser. So there’s four groups of two who are here for an Iditarod immersion program. And like I said, I’m basically the concierge for them. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s just delightful to be a part of that.
Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences:
One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was last year, 2022, the 50th anniversary, my first time in Nome, and seeing the end of the race. Fabulous.
What in life do you know for sure?
What I know for sure in life is that it’s ever changing and ever evolving. You can plan as much as possible, but sometimes life takes you in a direction that you never thought possible. And I think the Iditarod and being a part of that was one that I never planned for, and it’s been a part of my life and I’m so glad for that.