News Release
Anchorage, Alaska’s Big Wild Life™ 2009 To-Do List
Anchorage, Alaska – Oct. 1, 2008 – As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is a year-round destination with a thriving performance and visual arts scene, world-class accommodations, a hip culinary landscape and recreation opportunities for all types of adventure seekers. The list below illustrates the caliber of events and activities taking place now through 2009. Regardless of budget, the artistically minded traveler has their pick of cultural affairs, while the outdoor enthusiast will be lured by an exhaustive list of sporting events and competitions. Consumers are encouraged to explore the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site at www.Anchorage.net for the extensive list of events and itinerary possibilities; media encouraged to confirm event details using contact information provided.
October 2008
Travelers in Anchorage during the fall “shoulder” season find unbeatable deals, few crowds and plenty of special events that celebrate the magical turn of seasons. It’s the time of year when the trip of a lifetime is affordable and filled with unforgettable scenic opportunities in a wild city that pulses with excitement.
Make It Alaskan Festival
Oct. 3-5, 2008
(907) 279-0618
www.miafestival.com
Holiday shoppers and art enthusiasts find unique, high quality and authentic “Made in Alaska” products crafted by more than 250 artists during this festive kick off to a copious Anchorage arts and crafts season.
Great Alaska Beer Train
Oct. 4, 2008
(907) 265-2494
www.alaskarailroad.com
All aboard for Oktoberfest – Brewhouse style! Passengers feast on an impressive assortment of hors d'oeuvres and microbrews while traveling in style along Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Portage on the Glacier Brewhouse Microbrew Express.
Kendall Hockey Classic
Oct. 10-11, 2008
(907) 786-1230
www.goseawolves.com
Hockey fans will raise the roof when five-time tournament champion and host UAA slaps the puck with Connecticut, Northeastern and Alaska Fairbanks teams during a fast-paced, pre-season college hockey tournament.
Oxygen & Octane Expo
Oct. 17-19, 2008
(907) 230-2935
www.oxygenandoctane.com
Find your sense of adventure at the Big O! Alaska's first winter expo and the first civic event in Dena’ina Center’s trade show space. Gear, travel, machines, seminars and more – 50,000 square feet of all the things Alaskans love to do in winter.
Dena’ina Center Opening Celebration
Oct. 18-19, 2008
(907) 276-5550
www.Anchorage.net
This historic, two-day public celebrates the state-of-the-art Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center with free entertainment and activities that spill into F Street, Town Square and William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center.
Alaska Federation of Natives Arts & Crafts Fair
Oct. 23-25, 2008
(907) 274-3611
www.nativefederation.org
Alaska Native and American Indian Artists represent the vital and rich history, tradition and creativity of their culture through art and craft.
November 2008
Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout
Nov. 26-30, 2008
(907) 786-1230
www.shootout.net
Sports fans flock to Anchorage’s Sullivan Arena Thanksgiving weekend to get their fix of fast-paced college basketball in one of the sport’s hottest pre-season tournaments. The 2008 men's field includes Hampton, Louisiana Tech, Northern Illinois, Portland State, San Diego State, Seattle, Western Carolina and host, UAA. Cal State Northridge, Jackson State and Syracuse join host and two-time defending champion Alaska Anchorage on the women’s side.
Downtown for the Holidays
Nov 27 – 30, 2008
(907) 279-5650
www.anchoragedowntown.org
The Anchorage “City of Lights” holiday season is officially underway Thanksgiving Weekend with many merry events including the Town Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, performances of the Nutcracker Ballet and the esteemed Crafts Weekend at the Anchorage Museum.
Crafts Weekend and ReadAlaska Book Fair
Nov. 28-30, 2008
(907) 343-4326
www.anchoragemuseum.org
Shop for distinct and unique Alaska arts and crafts in the Museum’s beautiful atrium, which is transformed for the holidays with festive decor and a giant evergreen adorned by more than 100 dolls in period costumes from around the world.
December 2008
Hibernate? Never! With snow from the Chugach Mountains blanketing the sparkling “City of Lights,” Anchorage stages are set for a spirited season of classical and contemporary performing arts, winter sports, world-class events and timeless festivals.
Anchorage International Film Festival
Dec. 5-14, 2008
(907) 338-3690
www.anchoragefilmfestival.org
Filmmakers from around the world descend upon Anchorage to share provocative and independent films screened for the public in eight of Anchorage’s trendiest venues.
NECA/IBEW Fire and Ice Extravaganza
Dec. 26, 2008
(907) 279-5650
www.anchoragedowntown.org
The city of Anchorage lights up the night with a big, wild celebration for the whole family. Skate to hip live music, see daring aerial silk acrobats and dazzling fire jugglers, and enjoy a fantastic fireworks display.
Crystal Gallery of Ice
Dec. 26-28, 2008
(907) 279-5650
www.anchoragedowntown.org
Watch artists as they chisel, carve, sculpt and illuminate special “blue diamond” ice in this annual contest, which culminates Sunday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. with judging and grand opening celebration for the Children's Ice Park. Sculptures remain on display through the end of February.
2008 Biathlon World Junior Youth Team Trials
Dec. 27-30
(907) 276-7609
www.anchoragenordicski.com
More than 60 competitors from six states including Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, New York and Vermont vie for positions on the U.S. Team that will compete in the Youth and Junior Biathlon World Championships in Canmore, Canada, January 2009.
Torchlight Ski Parade
Dec. 31, 2008
(907) 754-1111
More than 300 hearty souls traverse Mount Alyeska with glowing lights in hand, followed by an awesome display of fireworks.
January 2009
Alaska Statehood Day: Light of the North, a Beacon to the Future
Jan. 3, 2009
www.anchorage.net/50
Special entertainment, demonstrations and numerous other celebratory events recognizing Alaska’s diverse geographic regions and people in honor of Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood in downtown Anchorage.
ConocoPhillips US Cross Country Ski Championships
Jan 3-8, 2009
(907) 276-7609
www.anchoragenordicski.com
Watch hometown heroes and Winter Olympians such as Kikkan Randall, James Southam and Lars Flora compete against the nation’s top skiers for the title of best in the U.S.
Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival
Jan. 16-17, 2009
www.auroraproductions.net
Celebrate the malt-based, fermented beverage that’s shaped our culture for over 20,000 years. Even the formidable Fermento will be enriched by the vast and varied brewer’s bounty showcased at this annual event.
February 2009
WinterFest 2009
Jan 29-Feb 3, 2009
www.alyeskaresort.com
Alaska-style winter activities range from the Polar Bear Plunge and Coast Mountain Bike Slalom to kid fun, powder-perfecting clinics, equipment demos, evening events and the Après Superbowl party.
Alaska Ski for Women
Feb 1, 2009
907-276-7609
www.alaskaskiforwomen.org
The epitome of girl power! Friends, sisters, daughters, mothers, and grandmothers don wild costumes and two planks at North America’s largest women-only ski event to raise money for women in crisis. Held annually Superbowl Sunday.
Duck Tape Ball
Feb. 6, 2009
www.anchorage.net/ducttape
Every color and design of duct tape imaginable is used for duct tape couture, room décor and art. This year’s theme is “Dance of the Ductade,” featuring music and iconic figures and symbols from the 50s, 60s, 70s, celebrate an Alaska staple - duct tape - and benefit local charities. It’s a sticky event for a good cause.
Tesoro Iron Dog
Feb. 8, 2009
(907) 563-4414
www.irondog.org
Two-man teams top speeds of more than 100 miles per hour on a 2,000-mile sprint from Wasilla to Nome to Fairbanks, Alaska, in the world’s longest and toughest snowmachine race. Avid competitors include Alaska’s “First Dude,” Todd Palin – a four-time champ.
Ski 4 Kids
Feb. 28, 2009
(907) 276-7609
www.anchoragenordicski.com
Play in the snow for good cause! This festival is jam-packed with winter activities to encourage kids to get outside, enjoy winter and stay fit while raising money to buy Nordic ski equipment for a local outreach program.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
Feb. 27- Mar. 8, 2009
(907) 274-1177
www.furrondy.net
A time-aged tradition that dates back to the early 1900s when trappers and miners emerged from the Alaska wilderness to trade, socialize and compete in survival-type games. The Dog Weight Pull, World Championship Sled Dog Races and Snowshoe Softball provide flavor of the frontier era.
March 2009
2009 USSA J2 Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Junior Olympics
March 3-7, 2009
(907) 276-7609
www.anchoragenordicski.com
Four days of individual and team competition split between Kincaid Park and Karl Eid Ski Jump Complex at Hillside Ski Area. The top competitors are awarded Junior Olympic Championship titles for skills in both jumping and ski racing.
2009 AXCS National Masters Championships
March 5-8, 2009
www.xcskiworld.com/events_xc/NM/NM_index.htm
Skiers of all abilities from across the nation enjoy three days of fantastic National Masters ski races (ages 25 to 80+ plus) in North America's largest annual Nordic ski championship event, culminating with the NM2009 finale – the incredible Tour of Anchorage freestyle ski marathon.
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® Ceremonial Start
March 7, 2009
www.iditarod.com
Mushers and 1,000 dogs dash towards the Bering Sea coast through rugged remote mountain ranges and snow-capped forests in the "Last Great Race on Earth." Its 1,100 miles of pure adrenaline, and it all begins in downtown Anchorage the first Saturday in March.
Tour of Anchorage
March 8, 2009
(907) 276-7609
www.tourofanchorage.com
Rush hour takes on a whole new meaning! Glide into a pair of skis, grab some poles and push off to see some of the most breathtaking sights in Alaska. Designed for all abilities, this point-to-point amateur ski marathon is sanctioned under the America Ski Marathon Series.
U.S. Alpine National Championships
March 24-31, 2009
www.alyeskaresort.com
Fast edges, carved slopes and extreme speed – Alaska’s world-class Alyeska Resort will play host as Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) athletes match their skills against the U.S. Ski Teams’ best.
Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage Ski Train
March 21, 2009
(907) 276-7609
www.anchoragenordicski.com
Climb aboard the Alaska Railroad and head north to historic abandoned Curry for backcountry touring and snowshoeing. Ski Trains have been a ski club tradition dating back to the 1940s.
April 2009
GCI Arctic Man Ski & SnoGlow Classic
April 8-12, 2009
(907) 456-2626
www.arcticman.com
In this extreme winter race, skiers take a lone descent before grasping their snowmobile partner’s tow rope for an adrenaline-filled climb at speeds ranging from 70 to 90, before a final plummet to a finish line in front of thousands of people.
Alyeska Spring Carnival and Slush Cup
April 23-26, 2009
(907) 754-1111
Usher in spring with great skiing and snowboarding, plus zany events such as the Slush Cup, where costumed participants gather speed down the slopes to launch across an ice-cold pond!
Native Youth Olympics
April 23-26, 2009
(907) 793-3265
www.citci.com
Alaska youth demonstrate their skills in traditional Native games that are based on life skills of past generations. The games test hunting and survival skills, and increase strength, endurance, agility and the balance of mind and body.
May 2009
Anchorage Market & Festival
May 16-Sept. 13, 2009
(907) 272-5634
www.anchoragemarkets.com
Local farmers and artisans sell their goods on Saturdays and Sundays in this festival atmosphere.
World Beard and Moustache Championships
May 23, 2009
www.anchorage.net/wbmc
The world’s most hirsute competitors will travel to Anchorage to compete this biennial competition. From the delicate Dali moustache to the anything-goes freestyle full beard, this is one hairy competition.
Gold Nugget - Do the Du!
May 17, 2009
(907) 868-3630
www.goldnuggettriathlon.com
Female athletes and role models enjoy the thrill and accomplishment of completing in the longest-running, all-woman triathlon in the country, designed for both beginner and experienced athletes. NOTE: In 2009, due to pool closure, the event will be a duathlon.
June 2009
Listen for the resounding rhythm and song that floats through Anchorage, carried by the beat of an outdoor concert, music festival, open-air market or cultural performance. Visitors and locals celebrate the extended summer daylight hours.
Wild Salmon on Parade
June through September
(907) 777-7248
www.wildsalmononparade.com
Wacky, whimsical, and definitely wild, salmon statues are displayed throughout downtown Anchorage each summer in celebration of all things salmon. At the end of their run, the fish go to auction at the annual Fish Fry and Buy.
Alaska Run for Women
June 13, 2009
www.akrfw.org
More than 4,500 serious runners and casual walkers unite in a spirit that inspires women, both young and old, to do something healthy for themselves while raising funds for breast cancer research and awareness.
Mayors Midnight Sun Marathon
June 20, 2009
(907) 786-1325
www.mayorsmarathon.com
Alaska’s summer solstice tradition. Runners from all over the world convene in Anchorage for the marathon, half marathon, five miler, relay and youth events. A Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training and Neurofibromatosis (NF) team event, empowering novice runners to participate in marathons while raising vital funds for lifesaving research.
Alaska Ocean’s Festival
June 6, 2009
(907) 274-3647
www.akcenter.org/oceans-marine/alaska-ocean-festival Musicians, speakers, artists, fishermen, ocean recreationists and conservation groups spend a day in downtown Anchorage celebrating Alaska’s connections to the ocean with food, film, music and some very fishy attractions.
July 2009
Anchorage July 4th Celebration and Downtown Parade
July 4, 2009
www.muni.org
An old-fashioned, patriotic celebration complete with family-oriented events such as the pancake breakfast, downtown parade, picnic, activities, and fireworks finale.
Mount Marathon
July 4, 2009
(907) 224-8051
www.sewardak.org
The famed mountain running event held annually in the seaside village of Seward since 1915, said to originate from a bet among friends that Mount Marathon could not be tackled in less than an hour.
Crow Pass Crossing
July 18, 2009 (tentative)
Over the mountains and through the woods, this 24-mile race across the Chugach Mountains has an elevation gain of 3,888 feet, a quarter-mile crossing of glacier-fed Eagle River and excellent chances for wildlife viewing.
Sadler’s Ultra Challenge wheelchair and handcycle race - 25th Anniversary
July 19– 27, 2009
www.challengealaska.org
The longest wheelchair and handcycle race in the world. Set in Southcentral Alaska, racers will persevere in the shadows of glaciers, defeat mountain passes and revel in Alaska’s frontier towns found along their 267-mile course.
August 2009
Big Wild Life Runs
Aug. 16, 2009
(907) 351-1621
www.anchoragerunningclub.org
Formerly known as Humpy's Marathon, this is Anchorage Running Club's premier event of the year. Participants are inspired by spectacular Alaska scenery from courses set for the Humpy's Marathon, Humpy's Marathon Walk, Run For Your Life youth fun run, Skinny Raven Sports Half Marathon and the Big Wild Life Runs 5K.
Alaska State Fair
Aug. 27- Sept. 7, 2009
(907) 745-4827
www.alaskastatefair.org
A gathering place for Alaskans to showcase their monster veggies, crafts, and culinary creations. Enjoy agricultural contests, farm exhibits, the Alaska State Rodeo, big name performers and more.
September 2009
Anchorage, Alaska, is the ultimate destination for fall fun. By day, vibrant fall foliage paints breathtaking collages along the mountains and forests and beckon exploration. By night, cool fall skies are nature’s perfect backdrop for dancing northern lights.
Great Alaska Quilt Show
2009 Date TBD
(907) 279-2839
www.alaskaquilts.org
Anchorage Log Cabin Quilters display handcrafted quilts before a benefit auction.
Fall Foliage Train
2009 Date TBD
(907) 265-2300
www.AlaskaRailroad.com
This first class experience blends the grand autumn scenery of Turnagain Arm with expertly prepared seasonal cuisine.
October 2009
Make It Alaskan Festival
2009 Date TBD
(907) 279-0618
www.miafestival.com
Unique, high quality and authentic “Made in Alaska” products.
Great Alaska Beer Train
2009 Date TBD
(907) 265-2494
www.alaskarailroad.com
All aboard for Oktoberfest – Brewhouse style!
Kendall Hockey Classic
2009 Date TBD
(907) 786-1230
www.goseawolves.com
Four top-ranked college teams complete in this annual fast-paced hockey tournament.
Oxygen & Octane Expo
2009 Date TBD
(907) 230-2935
www.oxygenandoctane.com
Find your sense of winter adventure at the Big O!
Alaska Federation of Natives Arts & Crafts Fair
2009 Date TBD
(907) 274-3611
www.nativefederation.org
Alaska Native and American Indian Artists sell handcrafted works.
November 2009
Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout
Nov. 25-29, 2009
(907) 786-1230
www.shootout.net
The sport’s hottest pre-season college basketball tournament.
Downtown for the Holidays
Nov 26-29, 2009
(907) 279-5650
www.anchoragedowntown.org
The Anchorage “City of Lights” holiday season kick-off event.
Crafts Weekend and ReadAlaska Book Fair
Nov. 27-29, 2009
(907) 343-4326
Nov. www.anchoragemuseum.org
The beautiful atrium is transformed for the holidays.
December 2009
Anchorage International Film Festival
2009 Date TBD
(907) 338-3690
www.anchoragefilmfestival.org
Provocative and independent films screened at Anchorage’s trendiest venues.
NECA/IBEW Fire and Ice Extravaganza
2009 Date TBD
(907) 279-5650
www.anchoragedowntown.org
The city of Anchorage lights up the night with a big, wild celebration for the whole family.
Torchlight Ski Parade
Dec. 31, 2009
(907) 754-1111
Skiers traverse Mount Alyeska with glowing lights in hand, followed by an awesome display of fireworks.
For a complete listing of Anchorage area events explore www.Anchorage.net/events. The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (ACVB) mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by lodging associations. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund, a contribution established in 1978, and one-third goes to the construction and annual maintenance costs of the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center and the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. Explore www.Anchorage.net for more information.
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Media Contacts:
Jeanette Anderson Moores
Public Relations
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
jmoores@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Explore www.Anchorage.net
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