Fur Rondy

Yesterday was the beginning of "Fur Rondy", a 2 week long winter festival in Anchorage that has been going on for 77 years. We went to downtown Anchorage today for some of the events. It was great! We were surrounded by fur coats, animal hats (literally- full-on animals on people's heads), and delicious food. We watched the parade, day 2 of the "Rondy Word Championship Sled Dog Race", and checked out the craft fair and carnival. 

My 1st sled dog race!! This was my favorite part. We stood at the starting line and then farther down. At the starting line the announcer was counting down and every time he said a number the dogs would get so excited. They looked so happy running and were so fast! I kept thinking about our family dog Grace who truly loved to run, just like these dogs. I think Grace was a little sled dog at heart :)

Yumm! 

Fur Rondy Parade...reindeer! 

One of many all fur outfits 

Winter carnival

The festival had a great sense of unity and community about it. Before moving up here, I imagined events just like these. It was just as I had expected. It was a great event to bring everyone out in the middle of the long cold winter!