After enduring months of cold and darkness, Alaskans need a celebration. And they've got one on tap as this weekend beckons in the 77th annual Fur Rendezvous Festival.
The winter festival has long been one of Anchorage's biggest events of the year, when Alaska's largest city fills with tourists and rural residents. It's return also beckons the annual countdown toward the beginning of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Rondy takes place from Feb. 24-March 4 this year. Most every day of the festival, sled dog races will be held, with the Rondy World Championship Sled Dog Races kicking off on day one of the festival.
The Frostbite Footrace and Costume Fun Run are open to everyone of every skill level. Run with friends, or run by yourself, it's just a fun way to get some exercise and a chance to wear your most outrageous costume. Hey, if you don't win the race, there is always the chance you'll win the costume contest.
All the snow and cold comes in handy when it comes to the annual GCI Snow Sculpture Competition. Eight-by-eight-foot blocks of compressed snow are hauled in and hacked away at by artists hoping to transform them into works of art.
It's the Alaska version of a sand castle competition.
For the kiddies and thrill seekers, a mini carnival complete with rides and carnival snacks can be found on 3rd Avenue and E Street. More daring rides like the Sizzler and the Round Up give the adventurous the dizzying fun they are looking for while the Ferris wheel and carousel provide a less-nauseating alternative.
Not a fan of the cold? Prefer in-door entertainment? There are options for that, too. There's the DJ Spin Off at Chilkoot Charlie's, a coin show at University center, the Amateur Photo contest at Sears, the Rondy Melodrama "Alyeska Jones and the Viking Crypt" at the Snow Goose and much more.
For a "fancy" night out, the Miners and Trappers Charity Ball is the place to be. Money from ticket purchases go to various local charities.
For a full list and more information on each event click here.
And don't forget to buy your official Fur Rondy pin or risk getting arrested by the ever-vigilant Rondy police. If you prefer being part of the action instead of just a spectator, there are also dog sled rides given daily at High Country Kennels.
Cai Doran is a student journalist from Steller Secondary School in Anchorage who's mentoring at Alaska Dispatch. Contact Cai through her editor at eric(at)alaskadispatch.com