Grandma and Grandpa take the kids to Fur Rondy - Part I

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous has happened every year around this time for the past 70 years. It started out as a chance for the trappers to meet up every year, party a little (or a lot) and auction off their furs. These days they still hold the fur auctions, but it's mainly a chance for everybody to get out and mingle with their neighbors for the 10 days before the start of the Iditarod, join in a parade, watch some dog races, ride a few carnival rides, and participate in all kinds of fun stuff for "kids of all ages" all around town.

So we decided to take the grandsons downtown today for the first full day of fun. I took a bunch of pictures, so I'll post a few at a time.

This is the Frostbite Footrace


Colton and Sage and an ice sculpture in Town Square Park. We had so many warm days last week that the ice sculptures have melted into all sorts of weird shapes. It's hard to tell what they were originally, but they still look pretty cool.






There weren't too many people skating, but the kids were having a blast sliding around on the ice.



More later

more. Looks like they were having fun and you wore them out. Just have to say this though...

You HAVE to blow up and frame this photo cause I think it might be the only one with him not making a funny face at grandma's camera. Love the look on his face too. (I think it is Colton (?)but might have the names mixed up. )

Colton and Sage are very handsome little tikes.

Today Gramps and I are heading out alone for some ice bowling, snowshoe softball, more dogsled racing, and the first ever "running of the reindeer." There's got to be some photo ops there. :)

and to think I've spent quite a few years describing Canadians as "crazy iceheads".

I'm sad to report that we could get nowhere near the running of the reindeer (who actually did run, we're told), because the people were lined up 10 deep along the six-block route to cheer on their crazy neighbors. I couldn't see a thing except the tips of some antlers. But I do have some nice shots of ice bowling and snowshoe softball, which was hilarious, and the sled dog races, plus there's still the carnival and the parade from yesterday.

Iceheads of the world, unite!

God, we really are an adaptable species.

the Running of the Reindeer, here's a pic from this morning's newspaper. We really are kind of crazy up here.





and accompanying news story.... http://www.adn.com/furrondy/story/325213.html

...:rofl:

Note the use of the word -- gasp -- "pimping" in the newspaper article. I love my city.

I love that name. :hi:

when he can walk on his own two feet. We can't carry a baby when we're carrying all the camera gear. Priorities, priorities. :P

:rofl: :hi: :toast: