Fur Rondy returns to downtown Anchorage for 2022

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Fur Rendezvous is taking over the streets of downtown Anchorage as the main events are kicking off for the first Friday of the 10-day festival.

In its 87th year, Fur Rondy is bringing back a sense of relief two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. After some major events were cancelled last year, the traditional sled dog races, running of the reindeer, and the miners and trappers ball are all making a comeback. Friday’s events kicked off with events such as the Rondy Carnival and the the Curling Bonspiel.

“This is something that all Alaskans can celebrate as it really is a festival by Alaskans and for Alaskans,” said Beth Helgeson, a Fur Rondy board member. “But it’s also a really huge draw for people from outside of the state of Alaska to come up here, experience winter and really experience Alaska at it’s best.”

This will be the first time since the start of the pandemic that guests can expect to see a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities. It is also the first time that the state has had an Alaskan crowned as Miss America, so new events have been scheduled this year to celebrate her homecoming.

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