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NEWS RELEASE
Anchorage, Alaska – Sept. 13, 2002

"What’s Happening In Anchorage, Alaska, 2002-2003"

From festivals and arts activities, to sporting events, theatrical and musical performances, there is always something exciting to do in Anchorage. The list below highlights a few of the many activities taking place from October 2002 through September 2003. Consumers are encouraged to explore the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site, at www.anchorage.net, for an extensive Anchorage events list.

Note: Although dates were accurate at the time of printing, consumers are encouraged to verify event dates before making travel plans.

October 2002

Make It Alaska Festival
Oct. 4-6, 2002
(907) 279-0618
www.makeitalaskan.com
Find unique, high quality and authentic Alaska products at more than 250 booths. Price ranges vary.

Nye Frontier Classic
Oct. 18-19, 2002
(907) 786-1230
target="_new">www.goseawolves.com
See four, top-ranked college teams compete in this fast-paced hockey tournament.

November 2002

Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout
Nov. 26-30, 2002
(907) 786-1230
www.goseawolves.com
This pre-season college basketball tournament features some of the finest teams in the United States.

Thanksgiving Weekend Events
Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, 2002
www.anchorage.net/events
Young and old will enjoy the kick-off to the Anchorage “City of Lights” holiday season, which includes the Town Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Cincinnati Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Ballet,” and the 13th Annual Crafts Weekend at the Anchorage Museum, to name a few.

December 2002

Enchanted World
CANCELLED for 2002
(907) 276-2087
Performers in authentic costumes depict customs from around the world in music box fashion at this annual family event. A truly enchanting experience!

Alyeska New Year’s Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display
Dec. 31, 2002
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Watch skiers traverse Mt. Alyeska with lights in hand – or join in the fun. Fireworks display follows.

January 2003

“Rent,” presented by the Anchorage Concert Association
Jan. 1-12, 2003
(907) 272-2519
www.anchorageconcerts.org
This award-winning musical retells the story of “La Boheme.” Its universal themes keep it alive on Broadway and the rest of the country.

14th Annual Anchorage Folk Festival
Jan. 17-26, 2003
(907) 566-2334
www.anchoragefolkfestival.org
Enjoy more than 120 acts from Alaska as they perform with special guest artists from around the world. Singers, dancers, storytellers and groups perform traditional and original material in styles including folk, Celtic, bluegrass, jazz, and more.

Great Alaska Beer and Barleywine Festival
Jan. 17-18, 2003
(907) 562-9911
What began as a celebration of great Anchorage beers has blossomed into a world-class presentation of world-class beers.

7th Annual Ski for Women
Jan. 26, 2003 (Super Bowl Sunday)
(907) 279-9581
www.awaic.org
This is the largest women-only ski event in North American, drawing more than 1,500 women of all ages and skiing abilities. Proceeds from the event benefit the Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) program in Anchorage.

February 2003

Winterfest @ Alyeska Resort
Feb. 1-2, 2003
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Enjoy activities for all ages at this annual outdoor celebration of winter, including the Polar Bear Plunge and snowboard competitions.

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
Feb. 14-23, 2003
(907) 274-1177
www.furrondy.net
This 10-day, wild and wacky winter festival features more than 120 events and activities.

2003 Subaru National Masters Championships
Feb. 22-28, 2003
www.xcskiworld.com
The Masters cross-country ski event features races for adults 30 and older. Pre-masters events will be held for skiers ages 20-29. Ski the gentle, yet challenging Alaska cross-country trails.

March 2003

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
March 1, 2003
www.iditarod.com
Known as the “Last Great Race,” the race depicts the life-saving journey from Seward to Nome during the 1925 diphtheria epidemic. Be part of the excitement as more than 1,000 dogs line up on Anchorage’s Fourth Avenue for the start of the race.

Tour of Anchorage
March 2, 2003
www.tourofanchorage.com
This is one of the largest ski marathons in North America featuring 50K, 40K and 25K routes, which wind through Anchorage.

“Cabaret,” presented by the Anchorage Concert Association
March 5-9, 2003
(907) 272-2519
www.anchorageconcerts.org
Winner of four Tony Awards, Cabaret is the story of an English woman’s romance with an American writer during the 1930s in Germany.

2003 Chevy Truck USSA Alpine Championships
March 16-26, 2003
(907) 754-1111
www.usskiteam.com
Watch some of the country’s best athletes, including members of the 2002 U.S. Olympic Team, compete in this celebration of national, junior and alumni racers.

April 2003

Alyeska’s 26th Annual Spring Carnival & Slush Cup
April 11-13, 2003
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Usher in spring with great skiing and snowboarding, plus zany events such the zany Slush Cup, where costumed participants gather speed down the slopes to launch across an ice-cold pond!

Native Youth Olympics
April 24-26, 2003
(907) 265-5986
www.citci.com
Witness more than 100 young people from across Alaska come together in Anchorage to demonstrate skill at traditional Native games.

May 2003

“Stomp,” presented by the Anchorage Concert Association
April 30 – May 4, 2003
(907) 272-2519
www.anchorageconcerts.org.
A hip-hop, rhythmic experience that will have audiences rockin’ in their seats, Stop is continuous movement – of bodies, objects and sound.

4th Annual Alaska Visitor Industry Charity Walk
May 9, 2003 (tentative)
(907) 264-2178
www.alaskacharitywalk.org
Often referred to as the “5K Buffet,” this may be the only event where participants are encouraged to gain weight. Feast on fabulous food from vendors along the route that winds through downtown Anchorage, while raising money for local charities.

May – September 2003

Open Air Markets
Tuesdays in Eagle River, (907) 694-4702
Wednesdays at Northway Mall, (907) 272-5634
Saturdays in downtown Anchorage, (907) 272-5634
Browse through booths of Alaska-grown produce, fresh seafood from Alaska waters, Alaska crafts and gifts, and food for purchase from local vendors.

Music in the Park
Wednesdays and Fridays
(907) 279-5650
www.ancdp.com
Pack a lunch and join a friend to enjoy the live summer concert series from Noon – 1 p.m. in the park at Fourth Avenue and E Street.

June – August 2003

Live After Five
Alternating Thursdays (tentatively)
(907) 279-5650
www.ancdp.com
Festivities include great music, delicious food, refreshing beverages and dancing in the streets of downtown Anchorage.

June 2003

Ship Creek King Salmon Derby
June 6-15, 2003 (tentative)
www.anchoragederbies.com
Fish for king salmon and win great prizes in the waters off downtown Anchorage.

Three Barons Renaissance Fair
June 7-9, 2003 and June 14-15, 2003
(907) 868-8012
www.3barons.org
Step back in time to the traditions and language of the Renaissance with village peasants, merchants and nobles who dress in the period, speak “olde” English and entertain for kings and queens.

Anchorage Festival of Music
June 13-21, 2003
(907) 276-2465
www.festivalmusic.org
Guest artists perform with local classical musicians in this celebration of great music under the midnight sun.

Spirit Days
June 14-15, 2003
(907) 272-8756
www.spiritdays.org
This is the largest public celebration of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures. Includes drum and dance performers, arts and crafts displays, storytellers, food and traditional Alaska Native sports.

Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon
June 21, 2003
(907) 343-4474
www.mayorsmarathon.com
This event draws runners and walkers from around the nation who compete in five events: 26.2 marathon, 26.2 marathon walk, 13.1 half-marathon, 5.6-mile fun run, and 1.6-mile Youth Cup.

July 2003

Girdwood Forest Fair
July 5-6, 2003
(907) 566-9039
www.girdwoodforestfair.com
This annual event is set in the forest along Glacier Creek in Girdwood and features Alaska artists, musicians, singers, and dancers along with handcrafted items and exotic foods.

18th Annual Bear Paw Festival, Eagle River
July 9-13, 2003 (tentative)
(907) 694-4702
www.cer.org
There is something for everyone at this annual celebration featuring a 5K fun run, Slippery Salmon Olympics, the Teddy Bear Picnic and Family Fun Day, Classic Car Show, Miss Bear Paw Pageant, Quilt Show and Auction, and more. August 2003

Anchorage Silver Salmon Derby
Aug. 1-10, 2003 (tentative)
(907) 276-6472
www.anchoragederbies.com
Catch the big one at Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage.

Humpy’s Marathon
Aug. 17, 2003 (tentative)
(907) 345-4004
www.anchoragerunningclub.org
Participants are treated to spectacular Alaska scenery along the course for each of the three, featured events – the 26.2 marathon, 13.1 half-marathon, and 5K fun run.

Alaska State Fair, Palmer
Aug. 21 – Sept. 1, 2003
(907) 745-4827
www.alaskastatefair.org
Enjoy Alaska food, music and crafts along with agricultural contests, the Alaska State Rodeo, demolition derby, big name performers and much more.

September 2003

Alyeska Blueberry & Mountain Arts Festival
Sept. 6-7, 2003
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Enjoy a weekend of great food and wine, creative arts and crafts, and rousing folk music.

2003 World Mountain Running Trophy
Sept. 18-21, 2003
(907) 345-1857
www.alaskamountainrunners.org
Novice and seasoned mountain runners are invited to participate in the Open event that coincides with this international mountain run. This is the first time the World Mountain Running Trophy will be staged in the United States. Approximately 400 athletes representing more than 30 nations will compete in four categories: junior men, junior women, senior men, and senior women.

Alaska Airlines Annual Autumn Classics
Sept. 19-21, 2003 and Sept. 26-28, 2003
(907) 747-6774
www.sitkamusicfestival.org
Enjoy a variety of music at this annual event featuring an international cast of musicians.

CONSUMER CONTACT:
www.anchorage.net/events
info@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nance Larsen, APR
Director of Communications
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2310
Explore www.anchorage.net