Fur Rendezvous Festival facts for kids

The Fur Rendezvous Festival, often called Fur Rondy, is a big winter party held every year in Anchorage, Alaska. It happens in late February and early March. Many people in Anchorage look forward to Fur Rondy because it means the long winter is almost over and spring is coming! It's known as one of the biggest winter festivals in North America. In 2012, National Geographic Traveler even called it the best winter carnival in the world.

History of Fur Rondy

What is Fur Rondy's History?

The name "Fur Rendezvous" comes from old-time "swap meets." These were gatherings where fur trappers would meet to sell the furs they collected during the winter. In early Anchorage, these meetings usually happened in the middle of February.

In 1935, Anchorage was a small town with only about 3,000 people. It felt very far away from other places. To bring everyone together and cheer people up, a resident named Vern Johnson organized a three-day sports event. He called it the Winter Sports Carnival. This event was planned to happen at the same time as the fur trappers' meeting. This made the town much more lively! Since the fur trade was a very important business in Alaska back then, it made sense to include it. So, in 1937, the event was renamed the Winter Sports Tournament and Fur Rendezvous. Later, it became simply "Fur Rendezvous."

In the early days, many miners and trappers had beards. So, a fun "law" was made that all men had to grow beards for the festival. If they didn't, they might have to pay a small fine! This was all part of the fun and celebration.

When Did Fur Rondy Start?

The Fur Rendezvous was stopped during World War II. But it started again in 1946. After the war, the festival began to attract visitors from outside Alaska. It has been held every year since then. Since 1955, a non-profit group called Greater Anchorage, Inc. has managed the event.

For many years, Fur Rondy lasted ten days. But since 2004, it has been longer, going into early March. This helps it connect with the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This way, even more visitors come to Anchorage. In 2021, the festival was changed a bit, and the main sled dog race took a break until 2022.

Fun Events at Fur Rondy

What Activities Happen at Fur Rondy?

The first Winter Sports Carnival had skiing, hockey, basketball, boxing, and a sled dog race for children. There was also a big bonfire and a torchlight parade. Today, Fur Rondy has over 100 different events! Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Rondy Grand Prix: This is the oldest street race in the United States.
• Official Fur Rondy Fur Auction: This event is like the original fur trade meetings. It has been part of the festival since the very beginning.
• Miners' and Trappers' Charity Ball and Mr. Fur Face Contest: Since 1950, people have competed to see who has the best beard! Beards are grown long, then dyed, decorated, and shaped for this fun contest.
• World Championship Sled Dog Race: This exciting three-day, 75-mile sled dog race brings mushers (dog sled drivers) from all over Alaska and the world. A women's race was added in 1953. Sometimes, this race has been canceled in recent years due to warm weather, like in 2006.
• World Championship Dog Weight Pull: Since 1967, sled dogs show their strength by trying to pull the heaviest weight.
• Snow Sculpture Competition: Artists create amazing sculptures out of snow.
• Fur Rondy Carnival: A fun carnival with rides and games for everyone.
• Frostbite Footrace: People in funny Costumes run through downtown Anchorage.
• Rondy Grand Parade: A big parade with floats, bands, and people celebrating.
• Running of the Reindeer: This silly event started in 2008. Groups of people run down a street, and then a group of reindeer are released behind them! It's a funny take on the famous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona.
• Rondy on Ice: A beautiful figure skating show.
• World Ice Bowling Championships: A unique bowling game played on ice.

Many events at Fur Rondy are quite funny and unusual. For example, there are Outhouse Races, where teams build outhouses and pull them on skis with a person inside! There's also ice bowling and even snowshoe softball matches. Other events focus on Alaska Native culture, like the Multi-Tribal Gathering and the Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market.

Collectible Pins

Why Are Rondy Pins Popular?

Since 1939, special pins have been made and sold each year. These pins help raise money for the festival. They have become very popular collectibles! Older or rare pins can sell for more than $100. The Kiwanis Club of Anchorage sells pins and booster buttons. Members dress up as "Keystone Cops" during the festival. During the parade, these "Rondy Kops" playfully "arrest" people and put them in a mobile jail. To be released, people have to buy a pin or button! The festival pin for 2025 was inspired by the Anchorage White Raven.