News Release

Experience 2008 Holidays Alaska Style – In Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska – Nov. 11, 2008 –– Each winter Anchorage becomes a winter wonderland, blanketed with fluffy white snow and thousands of twinkling lights adorning downtown trees and buildings – a truly incredible time to be in Alaska. Anchorage hosts an array of holiday activities that will appeal to visitors of all ages and the 2008 holiday season promises to continue the long-standing tradition of winter fun. This year is particularly exciting as locals and visitors get ready to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Statehood on January 3, 3009. Listed below is a selection of the 2008 holiday happenings. For a complete listing, explore the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) Web site at www.anchorage.net.

31st Annual Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout

Turkey and hoops go hand-in-hand for many families and visitors in Anchorage during Thanksgiving week. Throughout the years, many of the nation’s top collegiate teams have taken part in the fast-paced tournament hosted by the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). UAA’s Lady Seawolves will host Cal State Northridge, Syracuse and Jackson State. The 2008 Great Alaska Shootout men’s field includes Hampton, Louisiana Tech, Northern Illinois, Portland State, San Diego State, Seattle and Western Carolina. Games will be played Nov. 25 – 29, 2008, at the Sullivan Arena. For information, visit www.goseawolves.com. For tickets, visit www.tickets.com.

AT&T Alascom Tree Lighting Ceremony

The holiday season officially kicks off with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Town Square on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. There will be plenty of free cookies and hot chocolate will be available to keep spectators warm. Santa and his reindeer will make an appearance with Mrs. Claus at the Tree Lighting Ceremony before moving next door to Fifth Avenue Mall for pictures and holiday caroling. For more information, contact the Anchorage Downtown Partnership at (907) 279-5650 or ancdp@alaska.net. Visit http://www.anchoragedowntown.org/.

Photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/acvbpr/sets/72157608720363529/detail/

Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center

The Anchorage Museum undergoes a magical transformation each Thanksgiving, welcoming children of all ages to the Wonderland of Toys featuring more than 100 antique dolls and other toys from around the world. A favorite feature is the Victorian style dollhouse. Locals and visitors line up to get first pick at the 20th annual Crafts Weekend and ReadAlaska Book Fair at the Anchorage Museum Nov. 28 – 30, 2008. This event features fine crafts made by local artists from across the state including wearable art, pottery, handmade ornaments and fine woodworking. Artists will display and sell their creations on the museum’s main level while, publishers and Alaska authors display and autograph their books at the book fair on the second level. Local musicians entertain as shoppers search for that perfect gift. Admission is free. For more information, contact the Anchorage Museum at (907) 343-4326 or visit www.anchoragemuseum.org.

Photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/acvbpr/sets/72157608720363529/detail/

Oregon Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker Ballet”

The Nutcracker Ballet is a must-see production during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Nov. 28 - 30, 2008, at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Dazzling sets, colorful costumes and artistic chorography will quickly draw the audience into a land of dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers and giant mice battling toy soldiers. The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra and more than 100 local dancers coordinated by the Alaska Dance Theatre will join the Oregon Ballet Theatre for the full-length production. Visit the Anchorage Concert Association Web site at www.anchorageconcerts.org for additional information. To purchase tickets, call Carrs Tix at 1-800-GR8-SEAT or www.tickets.com.

Photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/acvbpr/sets/72157608720363529/detail/

Merry Merchant Munch

Downtown Eagle River businesses will be decked out in their holiday décor for the annual Merry Merchant Munch competition. Businesses compete to create the best holiday treat and shoppers are invited to stop in and enjoy their culinary creations on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 - 6, 2008. Visitors will enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling by the Chugiak High School Choir and the community-wide ginger bread house competition on display. Eagle River is located 13 miles north of Anchorage. Visit www.cer.org for more information or call the Chugiak/Eagle River Chamber of Commerce at (907) 694-4702.

Colony Christmas “Winter Wonders”

Visitors can experience Christmas “Colony Style” at the annual Colony Christmas Celebration in Palmer, Alaska, located 37 miles north of Anchorage. This cozy Christmas celebration is truly unique, paying homage to The Matanuska Valley’s historic roots as a farming community and gateway to Alaska’s interior. Visitors and locals bundle up and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, reindeer petting, pictures with Santa, craft vendors, the annual Fire Art in the Sky display, a charming winter parade and a Friday night bonfire. For added fun, arrive in style on The Alaska Railroad’s Colony Christmas Train. This enchanting ride is a holiday treat. Passengers sip cocoa as they enjoy stories and children’s craft activities. The train makes a stop along the way to pick up Santa Claus as it makes the scenic journey to Palmer. The train departs Anchorage Dec. 13 at noon and returns at 8:30 p.m. For more information visit http://www.akrr.com/arrc39.html#5 or call (907) 265-2494.

50th Anniversary of Statehood Gala

National and international dignitaries and Alaskans from around the state have will come together to pay tribute to Alaska’s 50th anniversary of statehood at the new Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center, Jan. 2, 2009. Colorful décor and pageantry, music, special addresses and will be layered with significant moments to this historic event in Alaska’s history. For more information, visit www.anchorage.net/50.

NECA/IBEW New Years Eve Fire and Ice Celebration

Downtown Anchorage sparkles as families flock to Town Square Park Dec. 31, 2008, for Anchorage’s annual New Years Eve Celebration. The evening kicks off with a children’s ice skating party from 4 - 6 p.m., followed by the Fire and Ice Celebration at 6 p.m. with live music from Chill Factor and Ken Peltier and performances by Aerial Silk Artists and fire jugglers. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display at 8 p.m. For more information, contact the Anchorage Downtown Partnership at (907) 279-5650 or ancdp@alaska.net. Visit http://www.anchoragedowntown.org/.

Photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/acvbpr/sets/72157608720363529/detail/

Alyeska Resort’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Following a long-standing tradition of at least 30 years, New Year’s Eve at Alyeska Resort will be highlighted by the annual alpine torchlight ski parade and fireworks display. At 8 p.m. Dec. 31, 2008, more than 300 hearty souls will ski and snowboard down Mount Alyeska carrying a glowing flare attached to the end of a long bamboo pole. An aerial fireworks display, one of the largest in Alaska, and live music at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill will immediately follow. Onlookers wanting the best view will be parked or standing at the Daylodge at the top of Alyeska Highway. For a list of other events and activities happening at Alyeska Resort and Hotel Alyeska, visit www.alyeskaresort.com or call (907) 754-1111.

Photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/acvbpr/sets/72157608720363529/detail/

Alaska Statehood Day: Light of the North, a Beacon to the Future

Alaskans from across the state will come to Anchorage to celebrate Alaska’s entry into the Union. A ceremonial lighting of the beacon symbolizing the future will take place mid-afternoon followed by a variety of free performances and family entertainment in the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, Dena’ina Civic and Center and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information, visit www.anchorage.net/50.

###

Media Contacts:

Jeanette Anderson Moores
Public Relations
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
jmoores@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Explore www.Anchorage.net

# # #