Anchorage celebrates returning Winter Olympians with ‘Kikkan week’

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Five-time Olympic skier Kikkan Randall reaches for her 2-year-old son, Breck, on Sunday, April 1, 2018, as she was greeted by family and friends at the airport. She was returning to Anchorage for the first time since winning a gold medal in the women’s team sprint cross-country skiing event at the Winter Olympics. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Gold medal winner Kikkan Randall and more than a dozen other Winter Olympians are returning to Alaska – making it the perfect time to meet and celebrate some of the world's greatest winter athletes.

To mark the occasion, there will be events over the course of what's being dubbed "Kikkan week," April 1-8.

A gold medal celebration in Town Square Park on Wednesday will include activities for kids, music from DJ Spencer Lee, live music by the East High School band (Randall's alma mater), food trucks, a beer garden and more. Hot drinks for all ages will be provided by Kaladi Brothers Coffee. 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, in Town Square Park (party begins at 5 p.m., program starts at 5:30 p.m.)

On Friday, you can ski the trails with Randall and other Olympians, regardless of your age or ability. The event will include free snow-groomer rides, music, Randall-led warmups, games and photo opportunities. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, April 6, at Kincaid Park stadium

During the week, some local businesses and restaurants will be offering special deals and menu offerings, including Snow City, South, Spenard Roadhouse, Crush, Pangea and Koot's. Check out "Gold Medal Celebration" on Facebook for a list of businesses participating and more details about the week.