Many Alaskans live by this motto (to paraphrase/I don't know who made the original quote) : "Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, salmon jerky in one hand - Alaska Amber in the other, body used up/worn out - yelling: whoo hoo WHAT A RIDE!!!
Hence the reason for Fur Rendevous. It is one of the largest winter parties in the United States. Modern Alaskans didn't come up with the idea: bk in the good ol' days miners and trappers would gather at an agreed upon meeting place to sell their furs and in the process catch up on news and cure their loneliness/socialize. In our times, it is salve to our lightless souls. The Rondy, as it is called, breaks up our long winter and brings happiness to all!
http://www.furrondy.net/ see this site for a list of all events and you can also watch the Rondy tv commercials here (or on Youtube).
We have had Fur Rondy in its more updated form, since 1936 (name became official in '37) and over the years many events have been added. Some that I recommend:
Miners and Trappers Ball - A charity costume ball with 2 to 3 live bands, drinkin and dancin'!
Great place to people watch. Folks dress in outlandish costumes and i guess because of a feeling of anonymity, their behavior is sometimes bizzare/eccentric. One year, a group of about twenty coworkers from our local electric/gas co-op dressed as "the Kenai River Dancers" a take off on "RiverDance" that was popular at that time. Michael Flatley would have been proud - as they danced their version in hip waders and flyfishing vests/hats! Contests held for best costumes/beards. As I mention, in blog below, my old neighbor John P. was Mr. Fur Face/Best Beard for many years. The ball is so popular, people line up in the bitter cold early morning to get tickets. You never know what you will see at the ball - one year my friend, Mike, dressed up in a tux instead of costume. We had no idea why - until later that night, he climbed up on stage and asked for Karen's hand in marriage!
Fireworks, carnival, snowshoe softball, the World Sled Dog competition and Frost Foot race are a few of the other fun events.
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