Fur Rondy Friday 27th
It's time to start planning your Fur Rondy Schedule. There's no way you can do it all, so you will have to pick and chose the best events to attend. Here's MY must do wish-list for Friday the 27th.
The Great Train Show - If you have little ones, this is a no-brainer. The historic Alaska Railroad Building on 1st Avenue set up this mini-train show every year. It is free to go and gawk at all the little moving trains, and you might see a big one out the back door while you are wandering the depot. The Great Train Show is up for the duration of Fur Rondy, so you can make a point to drop by before or after viewing any of the events.
Rondy World Championship Sled Dog Races, Day 1. Now THIS is a big deal! These sprint races define the whole festival. It is free to go stand alongside the race route and cheer on your favorite mushers. I believe there is a small fee (about $3) to sit in the bleachers. Either way, you get closer to these athletes than you would at any other major sporting event. Way high on my "cool" ratings list. The races start at 12:00... go early to catch the race start... easier than trying to time a race ending!
Sled Dog Rides: Spendy, but fun. Take a sled dog ride out on the Park Strip (9th & G). Another outfit is providing rides on Westchester Lagoon (15th & U). I am not familiar with them, but will take a peek as I make my way downtown...
Rondy Carnival: You HAVE to do the rides... right? Well, I have to... I have a 7-year old and the carnival is within sight of his school. Too late for me... save yourselves!
There is so much more, but for the first day... well, you have to pick and choose. Other choices include: Outdoor Hockey Tournament, Rondy on Ice (show), Theatre including the famous Rondy Melodrama (Snowgoose on 3rd), Fundraisers and dances. Check out www.furrondy.net for more details.
Snow Sculpture Competition: I have to mention this, even though Friday is not the day to go unless you want to see the blocks of snow BEFORE they are transformed (and during as there will be carvers working on them). Eventually, you will need to work this into your Rondy time. It is pretty neat-o. They have to be done by March 1st (for the judging)... Go visit them in the parking area across from the Comfort in on Ship Creek Avenue.
See you at the races!
