Fur Rendezvous Winter Carnival
The world's largest winter carnival.
In the photo is musher George Attla
The town of Anchorage had a population of about 3,000 souls in the mid-1930s. The town was spread out between Ship Creek and the Park Strip.
Then a man named, Vern Johnson had an idea. What if there was a 3-day winter festival? He reasoned that It might just be a great cure for the long winter and Cabin Fever.
February 15–17, 1936
The town of Anchorage came out to enjoy the “Winter Sports Carnival”.
There was hockey, boxing, basketball, skiing, and a children’s sled dog race down 4th Avenue.
The first Winter Sports Carnival also included a bonfire and a torchlight parade.
1937
Eileen Bagoy (the daughter of the owners of “Flowers by Bagoy”) was crowned the first-ever Fur Rendezvous Queen by the Anchorage Women’s Club.
The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce added a costumed Mardi Gras type carnival night and a street parade celebrating Washington’s birthday.
1938
In 1938, the Winter Sports Carnival was renamed the Fur Rendezvous to also bring fur traders and trappers to town.
1939 Rondy Pins
Rondy Pins (shown above on these Rondy “Keystone Cops”) were first created and used as a fundraiser for the Fur Rendezvous festival, beginning in 1939.
BONUS
Remember the Rondy “Keystone Cops”? Here’s a fun story about what happened if you were not wearing a Rondy Pin.
Take a look at My Mom Got Put in the Rondy Jail and enjoy.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Your friends and family will get “Rondy Fever” when they see all the fun that the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous brings every year. So share the fun.
1946
In 1946, 3 mushers competed in the first Alaska Championship Sled Dog Races at the Park Strip. The winner was Earl Norris (pictured above).
1950
The Blanket Toss was added in 1950. Are you in this crowd? The year of this photo isn’t known.
Native Alaskans from Nome and Diomede Islands came to Anchorage to demonstrate the Blanket Toss. And judging by the crowd in the picture above, it was a hit.
1953
6 women competed in the first Women’s Alaska Championship Sled Dog Race.
1958
Then in 1958, a curling tournament was played on 4th Avenue. Always fun to watch.
1960
The photo above is 1968
Golden Wheel Amusements added Carnival rides to the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous in 1960.
Hardy Alaska souls don’t mind braving freezing temperatures for a ride on the Ferris Wheel, or to snack on a corn dog.
What was your favorite Rondy Carnival ride? In 1968, the carnival was located overlooking the mouth of Ship Creek, where Anchorage got its start as a tent city back in 1915.
Your Favorite Rondy Food Treats
Having all that Rondy fun made you good and hungry for a treat.
Mary, of Anchorage Memories, always looked forward to her special Fur Rendezvous snack.
BONUS
Take a look at Mary’s story about Fur Rondy Corn Dogs and enjoy.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Parade Memories
The photo above is 1965 (ish). From the Brad Smith Collection
Yes, you were cold, but you didn’t care. The Fur Rondy parade was all for fun as it made its way down 4th Avenue to the delight of all.
Did You March in the Parade?
It was cold, but it was fun, and the bands from Anchorage schools also participated.
Mary of Anchorage Memories marched in the parade as part of the Anchorage Clown Club.
BONUS
Mike, of Anchorage memories, played trumpet in the East High band. Marching on slippery ice… or being behind horses, had its special challenges.
Take a look at Marching in the Fur Rondy Parade and enjoy.
If you’re new to the Anchorage Memories Club, you’ll also love Alaska Stories.
Take a look at our Alaska Stories email delivered publication as well.
Did You Know?
Because of World War II, the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous was cancelled from 1942 to 1945.
So, a very community minded lady named Lorene Harrison (the owner of the Hat Box), put together a celebration called “Bonanza Days” which was presented at the log cabin USO building to a standing-room-only crowd.
Do You Remember Some of These Folks?
When You were home, (or peeking at a TV in a downtown store window) sipping a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and watching the World Championship Sled Dog Races, the folks at KENI-TV (now KTUU) and KENI radio were braving the cold to bring you all the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous fun.
Left to right is:
Al Bramstedt, news anchor Ty Clark, camera operator Jim Balog, Bill Stewart and your Master of Ceremonies Orville Lake.
Do You Remember This Theme Song?
It was played on KENI-TV channel 2 at the beginning and end of their Anchorage Fur Rendezvous TV coverage.
Click on the following link to here De Selvera’s “Sleigh-Ride in Alaska” from 1959.
Contact Mike and Mary
Great memories!
Do you have a comment, or just want to use the word “mush”? You can easily contact us by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us to say “mush”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Join for FREE, and enjoy the memories of two Alaskans.
Hello! These are fantastic photos and a great article!
I run a social media for a shop in eagle river. Would it be ok for me to share these photos to our social media with credit to you all snd your article and/or do I need permission from someone else?
Either way, glad I came across this. It was a great read!
I don't remember the Fur Rendezvous being called Rondy or Fur Rondy. I only remember hearing about the Fur Rendezvous. Is "Rondy" a new thing? I lived in Anchorage from 1962 to 1974.