JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Since 1935, the Fur Rendezvous winter festival has been a significant part of Anchorage’s history. This year the festival takes place Feb. 24 to March 5, in downtown Anchorage.
It first started off as a three-day winter festival to coincide with the time miners and trappers came to town with their yield. According to the Fur Rondy website, it began as sports tournament and featured skiing, hockey, basketball, boxing, and a children’s sled dog race.
“Now in its 82nd year, it has grown from a local sporting event to a world-renowned winter festival that attracts visitors from around our state and the world,” said Fur Rendezvous Board of Directors president Beth Helgeson, in the Official Rondy Guide.
Though many more events have been added to the festival over the years, many of the original events have withstood the test of time.
The Official Rondy Fur Auction has been a staple since the beginning when the Alaska fur trade was of great economic importance. The blanket toss, an ancient Alaska Native tradition that involves tossing someone in the air by pulling on a blanket, was brought to the festival in 1950. The World Championship Sled Dog Race which sends competing musher teams to complete a total of 75 miles over three days, started in 1946.
“There are now nearly 100 activities held during the 12 days of the festival and many of the events are aimed to connect families to each other and connect the new generation to Fur Rondy,” said John McCleary, Fur Rendezvous executive director. “This year were trying something new and streaming the Open World Championship Sled Dog Race to Facebook live.”
The live stream will cover the start and finish of the race as well as different locations during the race, he continued.
Some of this year’s events include:
-The Rondy Fur Auction, Feb. 25 and March 4
-The Big Fat Ride—a world record attempt for the biggest fat tire bike ride – Feb. 25
-The Blanket Toss, Feb. 25
- The Rondy Grand Parade, Feb 25
-The Cornhole Championships, March 5
- The 5K Frostbite Footrace and 2.5K Fun Run, Feb. 25
-The Alaska State Championship Beard and Moustache Contest, March 4
-The Outhouse Races, Feb. 25
-Running of the Reindeer, March 4
The World Championship Sled Dog Race, Feb 24 to 26
Daily events include a snow sculpture competition and the Rondy Carnival.
“Fur Rondy is a melting pot of fun and really fits the spirit of Alaska,” McCleary said. “We have really long winters and this festival allows us to get out and celebrate with wackiness.”
For a full list of events and times, take a look at the 2017 Official Rondy Guide at http://www.youblisher.com/p/1709975-2017-Rondy-Guide/.