AK on the GO

It’s Fun Friday all you AKontheGO’ers, and we’ve a ton of fun to tell. Between Fur Rondy events and Ski 4 Kids, it’s doubtful any parent will have trouble getting the troops to settle down tomorrow night, hehe.

Fur Rendezvous, in its 75th year, kicks off today at Noon with the World Championship Sled Dog races, guaranteed to make a fan out of anybody with the excitement generated by these athletes (and their people). Different from the distance-trained Iditarod sled doggies, the “sprint” dogs are full of vim and vigor and know that race day is meant for speed. Best place to watch is on Cordova street downtown, especially near 15th Avenue as the teams head up or down that steep hill leading to the Chester Creek Trail. Whoeee, when they come back up, look out! There is sure to be lots of hollering and flying legs as mushers keep sleds on track and urge on their canines toward the finish. Way cool. Races are all week, so if you don’t make it this weekend, try a weekday.

That Frostbite Footrace begins tomorrow morning bright and early at the pedestrian overpass near Eagan Center. 9:30 a.m. is the start time, but if you need to register, be there between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. so you can fill out the required forms, get your number, yada, yada. We got there 7:30 a.m. sharp last year and ended up waiting around a looonnnnng time, so maybe closer to the 8:30 cutoff would be better with kiddos. Don’t forget the costumes!

Hey, speaking of racing and such, don’t forget about the annual Ski 4 Kids event going on tomorrow at Kincaid Park from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Yes, it’s during the Rondy Parade and after the Frostbite Footrace but what the heck, kids love to ski and this event supports the incredible efforts of the Ski 4 Kids program. Thousands of Anchorage school children have learned the basics of Nordic skiing through this program, and proceeds from the Ski 4 Kids event will go a long way towards equipment. Get to the Kincaid Chalet early if you still need to register kids for the event, and bring skis/poles/boots for an obstacle, race, mock-biathlon, and skijoring demo. Fun fun. Find more info at the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage web site.

Don’t forget about the Rondy Carnival, fireworks, Arctic Man demo, and model railroad show going on downtown, too. Hit Glacier Brewhouse for lunch or dinner (we love the roaring fireplace while enjoying a Salmon BLT sandwich). All in all, a busy and fun weekend! Follow the Fur Rondy link above for a complete listing of events and times.

All this fresh snow outside creates perfect conditions for tonight’s Friends of Campbell Creek Science Center  event. From 6:30-8:30 p.m., families and friends of the 730-acre Campbell Tract will participate in crafts, go on an outside “treasure hunt”, and enjoy beautiful music while learning more about this incredible organization.

Opportunities will be available to join the Friends organization and donate to a number of upcoming programs and projects that serve Alaska’s youth and families in the quest to become better acquainted with Nature and her mysterious ways. Board members (ahem) will also be on hand to talk more about the mission and goals of the Friends group.

Bring the snow gear and attitude for fun. Friends will provide the rest. I’ll be making snowflakes at the craft table; stop by and say Hi!