The 2012 Anchorage Fur Rendezvous starts this weekend and continues at locations around town through March 4.

Major events on today's schedule include the first day of the World Championship Sled Dog Race, starting at noon at 4th Avenue and D Street, and the Jim Beam Jam concert at 8:30 p.m. in Egan Center.

Saturday's highlights include the Frostbite Footrace and Costume Fun Run at 9:30 on 5th Ave. at Egan Center, the Grand Parade starting at 10:30 a.m. downtown, the Multi-Tribal Gathering from noon to 7 p.m. in Egan Center, and the second day of sled dog racing at noon.

Fireworks will be shot off over Ship Creek and the Small Boat Harbor starting at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday.

The Yugigassen snowball fight tournament will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Hilltop Ski Area, where downhill "BedSled" races will also take place on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Municipality of Anchorage reminds drivers that several downtown streets will be closed to traffic for several events, including:

• 4th Ave. from H St. to Cordova St. and Cordova St. from 4th Ave. to 16th Ave. for the sled dog races.

• 5th Ave. and 6th Ave. from G St. to Eagle St. for the footrace.

• 5th Ave. and 6th Ave. from K St. to C St. for the parade.

• A St. and I St. between 9th Ave. and 5th Ave. for the footrace and parade, with limited access to parking garages.

More information can be found in today's issue of Play magazine.