HUMAN

Name: Oline Petruska

Age: 78

Residence: Nikolai, Alaska

Occupation: Retired

Years involved with Iditarod: 50

Iditarod Roles: Spectator

Current Location: Nikolai, Alaska

Date of Photo: March 8, 2022

Temperature: 20F Outdoors 

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I first became involved with Iditarod when they first start coming through. They didn’t stop here at Nikolai, they stop at Salmon River and it was not the checkpoint, but me and my husband and the kids always went across there to meet all the mushers and everybody else that were around and we were very interested in the Iditarod. 

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?

I’m here today involved with Iditarod because I love people. And I love meeting new friends, seeing old friends. And I just like to be around a lot of people.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences.

Too many to name. I just love Iditarod and I’m so happy that it comes to my community. We are very fortunate.

What in life do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is you always have to be prepared.