Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
Is Wacky Winter Festival Fun
Ever played softball wearing snowshoes? How about
bowling on an ice-covered river? Ever run through a metropolitan city in
costume on snow-covered streets? Anchorage Fur Rendezvous - "Fur Rondy" to
locals - will take place Feb. 14 - 23, 2003, and will feature more than 120
events ranging from outrageous to serious.
"Fur Rondy features activities to suit every taste and
every age. Visitors come from around the state and beyond to take part in
this annual, 10-day festival," said Bruce Bustamante, president and CEO of
the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous began in 1935 as a winter
sports tournament. Event originators felt that a citywide party would be a
great remedy for the winter blues. Because fur trading was the state's
second leading industry at that time, fur trading became an important part
of the festival. Trappers and buyers met in Anchorage to trade, and
contests were held and prizes awarded for the longest fox, the best fox and
finest ermine pelts. The event was officially named Fur Rendezvous in
1937.
Since its early days, Fur Rondy officials have worked
to be "Alaska's Premier Winter Festival," adding a variety of activities and
events annually. Today, visitors can watch the World Championship Sled Dog
Race or ride in a dogsled themselves, take part in a fur auction, try the
Eskimo Blanket Toss or cross country ski in the Torchlight Ski Parade - the
list is endless. Nightlife is equally as varied, from the formal Fur Rondy
Masque Ball to the Jim Beam Jam and everything in between.
Visitwww.furrondy.net for
a 2003 Anchorage Fur Rendezvous event schedule. Explore
www.anchorage.net for information about traveling to
Anchorage, a 2002 All-America City, or call 1-800-478-1255 to order a free
Official Anchorage Visitors Guide.
TM
Ever played softball wearing snowshoes? How about
bowling on an ice-covered river? Ever run through a metropolitan city in
costume on snow-covered streets? Anchorage Fur Rendezvous - "Fur Rondy" to
locals - will take place Feb. 14 - 23, 2003, and will feature more than 120
events ranging from outrageous to serious.
"Fur Rondy features activities to suit every taste and
every age. Visitors come from around the state and beyond to take part in
this annual, 10-day festival," said Bruce Bustamante, president and CEO of
the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau. 
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous began in 1935 as a winter
sports tournament. Event originators felt that a citywide party would be a
great remedy for the winter blues. Because fur trading was the state's
second leading industry at that time, fur trading became an important part
of the festival. Trappers and buyers met in Anchorage to trade, and
contests were held and prizes awarded for the longest fox, the best fox and
finest ermine pelts. The event was officially named Fur Rendezvous in
1937.
Since its early days, Fur Rondy officials have worked
to be "Alaska's Premier Winter Festival," adding a variety of activities and
events annually. Today, visitors can watch the World Championship Sled Dog
Race or ride in a dogsled themselves, take part in a fur auction, try the
Eskimo Blanket Toss or cross country ski in the Torchlight Ski Parade - the
list is endless. Nightlife is equally as varied, from the formal Fur Rondy
Masque Ball to the Jim Beam Jam and everything in between.