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News Release

Anchorage, Alaska: A Year to Celebrate Big Wild Life™

Anchorage, Alaska – Feb. 11, 2009 – In Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood, the year brings even more wild events for visitors to experience. From the Running of the Reindeer, Pamplona-style to the World Beard and Moustache Championships, Anchorage has something unique to share with everyone.

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 highlight events and activities taking place throughout 2009 and January 2010.

Travelers 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 are advised to confirm event details using the contact information provided.

February 2009

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.

March 2009

2009 USSA J2 Junior Olympic Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Competition
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 jumping and ski racing.

2009 AXCS National Masters Championships
March 5-8, 2009
Skiers of all abilities from across the nation enjoy three days of fantastic National Masters (NM) ski races (ages 25 to 80+ plus) in North America's largest annual Nordic ski championship event. The event culminates with the NM2009 finale – the incredible Tour of Anchorage freestyle ski marathon.

Alaska Ice Climbing Festival
March 6-8, 2009
www.alaskaiceclimbingfestival.org
A gathering of ice climbers, gear manufacturing exhibitors and outdoors enthusiasts wanting to experience the latest and greatest in the sport of ice climbing.

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® Ceremonial Start
March 7, 2009
(907) 248-6874
www.iditarod.com
World-class mushers and their dog teams mush toward the Bering Sea coast through rugged remote mountain ranges and snow-capped forests in the "Last Great Race on Earth." Its 1,049 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.

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 the historic, now abandoned town of Curry for a day of backcountry touring and snowshoeing. Then join fellow skiers for polka dancing and partying on the train home.

U.S. Alpine National Championships
March 24-31, 2009
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Fast edges, carved slopes and extreme speed – Alaska’s world-class Alyeska Resort will play host as United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) athletes match their skills against the U.S. Ski Teams’ best.

April 2009

Great Alaska Sportsman’s Show
April 2-5, 2009
www.greatalaskasportsmanshow.com
One of America’s largest gathering of men and women who love the great outdoors. This trade show features products, services and seminars on everything outdoors -- from fishing and hunting to hiking, camping, boating and many other outdoor activities.

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 mph, 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
www.alyeskaresort.com
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 24-26, 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 Saturday and Sunday in a festival atmosphere. The market is a great place to get something to eat, buy some Alaska souvenirs and be entertained.

Gold Nugget Triathlon
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. This swim, bike and run event is designed for tri-athletes of all abilities.

Anchorage Gold Exhibit
May 20, 2009
(907) 343-4326
www.anchoragemuseum.org
An outrageous traveling exhibit that will dazzle summer visitors with more than 300 gold objects, including a gold-plated room, doubloons from sunken Spanish galleons, jewelry from Hellenistic Greece, Susan Sarandon’s Oscar and much more.

World Beard and Moustache Championships
May 23, 2009
(907) 276-4118
www.anchorage.net/wbmc
The world’s most hirsute competitors will travel to Anchorage to compete in this biennial competition. From the delicate Dali moustache to the anything-goes freestyle full beard, this is one hairy competition.

Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center Grand Re-Opening
May 30, 2009
(907) 343-4326
www.anchoragemuseum.org
The museum hosts a grand opening after a major building expansion featuring live music, food vendors and family art activities. Opening day admission and festivities are free.

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.

Salmon in the City Festival
June 5-14, 2009
(907) 343-7116
www.muni.org/salmoninthecity
Healthy salmon runs in downtown streams make Anchorage one of the only places where you can fish in the shadow of high-rise buildings. Celebrate this unique and abundant resource at the Slam’n Salm’n Salmon Derby, Wild Salmon on Parade and Salmon in the City Music Festival.

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.

Alaska Run for Women
June 13, 2009
(907) 566-3151
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, the Mayor’s Marathon empowers novice runners to participate in marathons while raising vital funds for lifesaving research.

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, family activities baseball and a fireworks finale.

Mount Marathon
July 4, 2009
(907) 224-8051
www.sewardak.org
This famed mountain running event has been held annually in the seaside village of Seward since 1915. The race is rumoured to have originated from a bet among friends that Mt. 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/Handcycle Race - 25th Anniversary
July 19 – 27, 2009
(907) 344-7399
www.challengealaska.org
The longest wheelchair and handcycle race in the world, this Southcentral Alaska race challenges disabled racers to persevere in the shadows of glaciers and across mountain passes along a 267-mile course.

August 2009

Big Wild Life™ Runs
Aug. 16, 2009
(907) 351-1621
www.anchoragerunningclub.org
Formerly known as the Humpy's Marathon, this is the Anchorage Running Club's premiere event of the year. Participants are inspired by spectacular Alaska scenery from courses set for the Humpy's Marathon, Humpy's Marathon Walk, Alaska Museum of Natural History’s Run For Your Life Kid’s Dinosaur 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.

Blues Train
Sept 19-20, 2009 (tentative)
(907) 265-2300
www.AlaskaRailroad.com
The Alaska Railroad has got the blues. Ride the rails to Seward and take in the sweet sounds of blues music.

Fall Foliage Train
Sept. 26, 2009 (tentative)
(907) 265-2300
www.AlaskaRailroad.com
This first-class experience pairs the grand autumn scenery of Turnagain Arm with expertly prepared seasonal cuisine.

October 2009
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
2009 Date TBD
(907) 279-0618
www.miafestival.com
A trade show featuring unique, high quality and authentic “Made in Alaska” products.

Great Alaska Beer Train
Oct. 3, 2009 (tentative)
(907) 265-2494
www.alaskarailroad.com
All aboard for Oktoberfest – Brewhouse style!

Kendall Hockey Classic
Oct. 9-10, 2009
(907) 786-1230
www.goseawolves.com
Four top-ranked, Division 1 college teams complete in this annual fast-paced hockey tournament featuring the talents of Anchorage’s hometown University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves.

Oxygen & Octane Expo
Oct. 16-18, 2009
(907) 230-2935
www.oxygenandoctane.com
A trade show featuring lodging, gear, travel, snowmachines and advice from experts on all the things Alaskans like to do in winter.

Alaska Federation of Natives Arts & Crafts Fair
Oct. 21-24, 2009 (tentative)
(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 featuring men’s and women’s team divisions.

Downtown for the Holidays
Nov 26-29, 2009
(907) 279-5650
www.anchoragedowntown.org
The Anchorage “City of Lights” holiday season kick-off event including ice skating, entertainment and the official lighting of the downtown holiday tree.

Crafts Weekend and ReadAlaska Book Fair
Nov. 27-29, 2009
(907) 343-4326
www.anchoragemuseum.org
The beautiful Museum atrium is transformed for the holidays.

December 2009
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. 4-17, 2009
(907) 338-3690
www.anchoragefilmfestival.org
Provocative and independent films are screened at Anchorage’s trendiest venues.

NECA/IBEW Fire and Ice Extravaganza
Dec. 31, 2009
(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 Mt. Alyeska with glowing lights in hand, followed by an awesome display of fireworks to ring in the new year.

January 2010

2010 ConocoPhillips US Cross Country Ski Championships
Jan. 2-7, 2010
(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. 15-16, 2010
(907) 562-9911
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. The festival includes brew tastings and entertainment.

For a complete up-to-date 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 to service the bond debt and operations of the Anchorage Convention Centers. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. Explore www.Anchorage.net for more information.

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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