News Release
Modern City Celebrates Its Frontier History: Visitors Experience Historic Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
Anchorage, Alaska – Dec. 12, 2007- In the time of cell phones, instant messaging, mega malls and lattes, Anchorage, Alaska, remembers its hardy history with sled dogs, outhouse relays and gold rush-era good times during Fur Rendezvous, Feb. 22 – March 2, 2008.
“This is real pioneer spirit,” says Julie Saupe, Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) president. “ Fur Rendezvous is a tribute to the tough, gritty characters that built the Last Frontier through sheer power of will.”
Affectionately known locally as “Rondy,” Fur Rendezvous began as the brainchild of outgoing Anchorage citizen, Vern Johnson. In 1935, Johnson created a three-day sporting event timed to correspond with the return of local miners and trappers coming to Anchorage to sell their hard-won winter product. The event featured skiing, hockey, basketball, boxing and a children's sled dog race down Fourth Avenue.
Today, Fur Rendezvous continues to pay tribute to the early Alaskan way of life with an old-time melodrama, Alaska Native tribal gatherings, World Champion Sled Dog Races, craft markets, the Miners & Trappers Ball and a fur auction.
Like Anchorage itself, the festival has evolved throughout the years, offering up interesting events like outhouse (yes, outhouse) races, snowshoe softball, a poker tournament and live concerts.
2008 Fur Rondy Events include:
The Rondy World Championship Dog Weight Pull – This puppy power pull began in 1967. Canine athletes compete by hauling weighted sleds to the finish line. The heaviest single pulls recorded in Alaska occurred at previous Fur Rendezvous events. Two St. Bernards in the heavyweight class, Susitna (the father) and Kashwitna (the son), pulled an incredible 5,220 pounds each (Source: Alaska Outdoor Journal).
The Rondy World Championship Sled Dog Races – The World Championship Sled Dog Race debuted in 1946. This cornerstone event brings teams of sled dogs and drivers to Anchorage from across Alaska and the world. The 25-mile sprint race rushes through Anchorage and can be viewed at multiple locations throughout the city and local neighborhoods.
Rondy SnoCross – Intense snowmobiling action revs over double moguls and jumps in this extreme winter sports event. Multi Tribal Gathering – This inter-tribal gathering features dance, music and songs of Alaska Native, Native American, Pacific Island and other indigenous cultures of the Western Hemisphere. Indigenous artists will be on-site with one-of-a-kind works of art available for purchase.
Alaska Sound Celebration Melodrama – Heat up the winter nights at this premiere Rondy event. Follow the hero and heroine as they try to foil a dastardly villain. With a new theme each year, this wild and wacky show is a truly Alaskan way to have fun (and practice popcorn throwing skills!)
Jim Beam Jam – Rock out with live bands, practice your line dancing, gobble up munchies, and grab a drink with friends at the official Rondy celebration.
Frostbite Footrace & Costume Fun Run – Don an outrageous costume and run through downtown Anchorage in this family oriented event. The footrace is two laps on a course around downtown. Little runners might chose to participate in the one-lap fun run with mom or dad. The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Anchorage Civic & Convention Center construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. Explore www.Anchorage.net for more information.
