Here are a few of the cool things to do this warm weekend in Anchorage.
Ted Stevens Day at Cuddy Park
Alaska's first fully inclusive "boundless playground" will open at Cuddy Family Midtown Park with a ribbon-cutting at noon Saturday -- the day that all Alaskans are encouraged to get outside and play in honor of the late Sen. Ted Stevens. The dedication will feature food (wild salmon burgers and ice cream) and lots of free activities, including an obstacle course, oval skating, handcycling and a jousting pit.
Big eaters
Anchorage's biggest chow hounds will go jaw-to-jaw in hot dog and spicy wing eating contests during Northway Mall's Summer Cookout event, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, a fundraiser for Bean's Cafe.
Paint a wall
Come to the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature to help paint a new mural from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Artist James Havens design, featuring Alaska critters past and present, wraps around the whole building, so there's plenty of work. The museum is located at 201 N. Bragaw Street in Mountain View. Call Andi Havens for information 808-345-4898.
Dog Jog
A fun family event for people and their dogs held as a fundraiser for Friends of Pets, Dog Jog 2013 includes a vendor fair, a fun run/walk with a 5K or 1 mile course followed by demonstrations and contests. Cat lovers are welcome to join the fun -- but leave the cat at home! The event starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the run/walk at 10 a.m., at Service High School Admission for the run/walk is by donation, suggested at $25 adults, $5 kids and $50 families.
Outdoor artists
Plein Air Painters of Alaska present their annual fundraiser for Clare House, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Several of Alaska's best under-the-open-sky artists will be painting and showing their work outdoors. Take Abbott Road east to Birch and turn right. The address is 5801 Barry Ave., which is immediately left off Birch. If you get lost, call 333-0793. A portion of sales go to support Clare House, but it's free to stop by and look.
All-Alaska fashion show
Billed as the largest fashion show in Alaska, the fifth annual Clare to Clare fundraiser for Clare House takes place at the Dena'ina Center on Saturday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 6:30. More information and tickets at clarehousebenefit.org.
-- By MIKE DUNHAM
By MIKE DUNHAM