Fur Rondy 2024: Snow sculptures, fireworks draw crowds

Alaskans descended on Downtown Anchorage on Saturday Feb. 24 to partake in the first weekend of Fur Rondy festivities. The city was humming with activity, despite hazardous winter conditions earlier in the day that cleared by late afternoon.

The Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship was a main draw, with 24 sculptures on display. The sculptures — some more detailed than others — are put up to vote for “People’s Choice Award” each year. The winning team is sent to a national snow sculpture competition. To view the sculptures, head to Ship Creek Avenue across the street from the Comfort Inn near Ship Creek.

People also turned out to view the Fur Rondy fireworks show. The exciting display lasted 15 minutes and lit up Downtown with all varieties of color, sound and shape such as smiley faces and hearts. Crowds, bundled up in hats, gloves, jackets and snow pants, watched the show on the hill overlooking Ship Creek and the rail yard. The fireworks received applause and whistles from the audience.

Others enjoyed the carnival on Third Avenue where fun and food awaited. Carnival-goers enjoyed usual fair rides such as a ferris wheel, hang gliders, tilt-a-whirl, and more.

The Anchorage Fifth Avenue Mall and other Downtown shops and restaurants were busy as well with an influx of shoppers in the area for the festival.

The Fur Rondy will culminate on Sunday March 2 at 10:00 a.m. with the Iditarod Ceremonial Start that takes place along Fourth Avenue. The avenue is shut down to car traffic for the Fur Rondy and overlain with snow for sled dog racers to make their way along the road. Onlookers gather in the hundreds to view the unofficial start to the famous race each year. Arrive early to find parking and a viewing point if you intend to watch as racers make their way through Downtown.

For more Fur Rondy information and event schedules, visit furrondy.net or anchorage.net.

For information on the Iditarod race, visit iditarod.com.