Anchorage Fur Rendezvous 2010, or Fur Rondy as it is known among Alaskans, celebrates 75 years of cultural and commercial exchange in Alaska. This multicultural event begins on 26 February and ends on 7 March 2010.  Alaskans from all over the state and visitors from around the world gather in the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage, to experience how Alaskans provide themselves 'cabin fever relief' from long winters.  Ten days of activities sponsored by business and tribal corporations, nonprofit organizations and communities at large raise funds to support local nonprofits. 

 Chugach Mountains taken two days before 75th Fur Rondy begins. (Photo by Caitlin McElwee)

One of the main events of the Fur Rondy is the World Championship Sled Dog Race, a 25-mile heats through various streets in Anchorage, which began at noon on opening day, 26 February and will run through Sunday, 28 February.  It offers a record purse of $80,000 to be distributed to 30 mushers participating in the event.  The sled dog race also known as 'The Rondy' starts in Downtown Anchorage on 4th Avenue and D Street, continues southeast toward the Chugach Mountains and back to downtown. The best viewing places aside from Downtown on 4th Avenue and D Street are Cordova Hill, Seward Highway at 20th, Tudor Center, Campbell Airstrip Road near SAVE High School and on Mile 1.1, and  the Albrecht baseball fields. 

The day before the first day of Fur Rondy, Anchorage enjoyed a 7-inch snowfall bringing fresh snow and smiles to the dog mushing teams. The race is produced in partnership with the Alaskan Sled Dog Racing Association.  For those who wish to follow the race can track the event on KHAR 590 AM and 96.7 FM. 

IWinter Wonderland in Anchorage with 7-inch fresh snow on February 25, 2010 for the dog teams. (Photo: Caitlin McElwee)

The first day results of the World Championship Sled Dog Race placed the Defending Champion, Blayne "Buddy" Streeper, of Streeper Kennels from Ft. Nelson, British Columbia on top with 113 minutes 28 seconds followed by Arleigh Reynolds of Pilledriver Kennels from Salcha, Alaska with 103 minutes 30 seconds.

Other highlights on the Opening Day (26 February) of Fur Rondy are the Native and All Alaska Basketball Classic, Rondy Photo Contest, GCI Snow Sculptures, Rondy Carnival, Rondy on Ice and Dancing in Pursuit of Dreams.

The first Saturday (27 February) events also highlight the Frostbite Footrace and Costume Fun Run, All Alaska Basketball Classic, Rondy Photo Contest, GCI Snow Sculptures, Rondy Grand Parade, Rondy on Ice, Rondy Carnival, Alaska Trappers Association Fur Auction, Meet the World in Anchorage 2010, Rondy World Championship Dog Weight Pull, Rondy Snowshoe Softball, Rondy Multi-Tribal Gathering, Native Basketball Classic Championship, Rondy Melodrama, Outhouse Races, Blanket Toss, Big Air Demo, World Championship Outdoor Hockey Tournament, AT&T Fireworks Extravaganza, and Dancing in Pursuit of Dreams.

The first Sunday (28 February) events highlight the Auction Preview and Actual State Hide & Horn, World Championship Outdoor Hockey Tournament, Rondy Photo Contest, All Alaska Basketball Classic, Fur Rondy Snowshoe Softball, Rondy Carnival, Rondy Melodrama, Dancing in Pursuit of Dreams, Running of the Reindeer, and Blanket Toss.

An additional event that is new this year is the Sprints at Sundown.  It is a 10-dog, dual start invitational event hosted on 4th Avenue from 5 pm to 7 pm on Saturday, 6 March 2010 and will showcase Alaska's finest dog teams and racers.

For detailed information on the Rondy daily events and greater historical perspectives of this winter festival , please visit Fur Rondy's official website at www.furrondy.net.

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Travel Deals for 75th Anchorage Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy) in Alaska, 26 February - 7 March 2010

By Gina Alzate, who is also the National Holistic Travel Examiner and the Philadelphia Romance Examiner.  A Travel Consultant and Cruise Planner with  World Tours and Cruises, Gina leads holistic and metaphysical workshops on Divine Romance, Women's Empowerment and Discovering Past Lives with Angel Communication. For more information on holistic and metaphysical workshops Gina hosts and/or leads or about the special world tours she coordinates, contact her today.