Fur Rondy begins!

This past weekend was the start of Fur Rendezvous! This traditional festival celebrates the time when trappers would return to town with their furs to sell. I think it lets all of us get out and shake any cabin fever from the long winter. There are many activities during this time. You can go and enjoy a carnival, view the snow sculptures, take in exhibits at the train depot and museum, or watch any of the other many original Alaskan activities. One of these fun events is the Frostbite Footrace and Costume Run. I only caught a glimpse of the participants from the balcony. I was too lazy to travel any further!  Saturday night we did watch the fireworks.

These were probably the best Fur Rondy fireworks we've seen.

 Greg took many pictures but finally stopped and just enjoyed the displays as they lit up the sky.

Sunday was the final day for the World Championship Sled Dog races. This 3 day event has been taking place every year since 1946. Teams run a 25 mile course each day down our city streets, across trails, over bridges, and through the city's forests.

Here is this year's winner, Arleigh Reynolds, coming down the home stretch.

You can see the snowmachines right  behind him to signal the end of the race.
 Lance Mackey, a 4 time Iditarod winner, was a rookie in the race this year.

  He and his puppy patrol finished second to last in the event.