Sure, tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people fly and sail into Alaska in the summertime to experience one of the Earth’s most abundant natural landscapes. The vibrant forests, the fluking whales, the entirely above freezing temperatures – I get it. It’s nice.
But real adventure fans say nuts to that. Real adventure fans head to Alaska in late February for the much anticipated Fur Rendezvous Festival in Anchorage. And real adventure fans aren’t alone. Thousands make the trip yearly from all over the globe, earning the “Fur Rondy” the title of Largest Winter Festival in the World. Missed it when we talked it up last year? Well, here’s another chance!
The 2010 Fur Rendezvous Festival in Anchorage, Alaska will be held this upcoming February 26 – March 7, and while you don’t have to stay to see it all, there are plenty of reasons to drop in.
When conceived, the Fur Rondy celebrated the at-long-last return of snowed-in miners with the winter’s yield. The drive of modern industry and technology more or less put a stop to that, but the festival just kept growing. Today, it’s more a celebration of Alaska itself, its traditions, its people and its history.
For you the unwary traveler, that means classic winter festival fun with a whole lot of unusual exploits thrown in. A sample of activities:
Snow Sculpture
Basketball Tournament
Pony Rides
Soccer
Sled Dog Racing
Parade
Blanket Toss
Outdoor Hockey
Hide & Horn Auction
Oyster Shucking Contest
Snowshoe Softball
Three of these traditions – the Blanket Toss, Hide & Horn Auction, and of course Sled Dog Racing – have particular cultural and historical significance. In fact, the Blanket Toss is based on a ceremony from a traditional Eskimo whaling festival, and it’s one of the highlights of the whole event. See the preliminary schedule.
If you stay for the whole thing, wow, you’ll be outdoing most of the locals. Instead, we recommend attending the latter half, just so you can see one of the most exciting events. Saturday, March 6, is the official start of the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome. Doubtless one of the world’s most extreme sporting events, attend the starting line ceremony and you’ve got a one-up story for life.
The 2010 Fur Rendezvous Festival in Anchorage, Alaska will be held February 26 – March 7. The events are free to attend, however the Fur Rondy is at least in part supported by the sale of collectors pins (gallery), so go ahead and pick some up for the whole family. Learn more.
Our favorite Anchorage, AK hotel will get you plenty close to all the action of the Fur Rendezvous Festival and the Iditarod activities. The Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites is located in downtown and offers upscale affordability and all those little perks you love: free high-speed, free parking, free shuttle.
Have fun at the 2010 Fur Rondy!
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2 Comments
Dear Rondy,
I was so happy to have been able to see Fur Rondy in 1970 and 1971 while I was in the Air Force, stationed at Elmendorf. I enjoyed all the activities, especially the World Championship Sled Dog Race around Anchorage! Many times I have wanted to see it again. But, thank goodness, I can view it by the internet!
I hope it brings a lot of happiness to many again this Feb./March.
Sincerely,
Susan A. Condon
What are the dates for the dog races
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