 Polar Bear Swim Club members romp in icy waters in sub degree weather. Other slightly more sane cold-lovers go to the Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage, Alaska. Starting February 14t through 23rd, The Fur Rondy (as it is called by Alaskans!) is a winter festival for people who love the cold but want to experience it from inside their cozy fur coats. Fur Rondy is Alaska’s biggest party and it celebrates the beginning of the end of winter. It started in 1936 when fur trading was the second leading industry in Alaska and became an opportunity for fur trappers and buyers to socialize after their lonely time in the frozen Alaskan wilderness. Today, fur lovers come to parade in the Alaskan ice in their furs, buy fur, sell fur and to attend the annual fur fashion show that kicks off the week with fashions by local furriers. Prizes are awarded to trappers with the finest pelts. For fun, there are snow-sculpting contests, Dog Sled races, snowshoe softball and the infamous Eskimo blanket toss (start practicing!) The Fur Ball on February 15th is marked by fireworks and the crowning of the Rondy Queen who will no doubt be wearing the latest Fur Rendezvous pin- a lapel pin made of leather and fur that is comparable in collecting frenzy with Olympic pins. Each year a different pin is created and the Fur Rondy’s are so serious about their pins that Keystone Cops patrol the streets of Anchorage arresting anyone caught without one. So if you love winter, then you can’t be the Fur Rendezvous Festival in Alaska. But if you want to be fully accepted by the Fur Rondy revelers - wear your fur and whatever you do DON’T forget your pin. Alaska Airlines offers special fares -call 1-800-alaskair. DAVID GREEN MASTER FURRIER, 130 W Fourth Ave., 1: 907-277-9595,Email:
dgsgfurs@aol.com ALASKA FUR GALLERY, 428 W Fourth Ave., 1: 907-274-3877 WILD FURS, LTD.411 W Fourth Ave.1907-277-9453, Email: wildfurs@gci.net |
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