Fur Rondy 2019
It's this time of the year again where Alaskans celebrate Fur Rendezvous Festival in Anchorage. We only have a few days before this festival ends. Fur Rendezvous Festival or just Fur Rondy is an annual winter festival held in Anchorage in late February and is tagged as the largest winter festival in North America. It started in 1935 when Anchorage only had 3000 residents and was very isolated so Vern Johnson organized a sports tournament to lift spirits and bring the community together. It was timed to coincide with the rendezvous which helped increased activities. Winters were difficult in Alaska and this festival helped people to socialize and exercise especially after long dark winter months. Early events included hockey, skiing, boxing, dog sled race, and even basketball. City bonfire and parade were also enjoyed by many. Over the years, it became popular even with people outside Anchorage. It is later on renamed to Winter Sports Tournament and Fur Rendezvou...