Alaskans got run over by some reindeer...

Welcome to the 36th Annual Anchorage Fur Rendezvous festival!

As the name might suggest, this celebration is meant to mirror gatherings held in the pioneer days when the trappers would come into town at the end of the seasonto party and sell their furs
Of course we have a Fur Auction but also events like Snowshoe Softball, the Annual Championship Dogsled Races (sprint racing), Snow Sculpture contest, craft shows and contests, an old-fashioned melodrama, pancake breakfasts, tons of music, and a carnival for the kiddies. .!

We missed most of the events last year so we wanted to make up for it this year so Morrigan and I went to the fireworks. Today, the three of us took Josh's brother's girls Karina and Julianna to the Carnival, where they had a blast! I didn't get nearly the number of pictures that I wanted. Luckily, I can suplement with those from the Anchorage Daily News.

Anyway, they added some new events this year that have gotten folks excited AND angered PETA at the same time! I'm all for thatFor the first time, Anchorage has her own version of the "Running of the Bulls" in Pamplona, Spain. What else could it be but the "Running of the Reindeer?"

I haven't read any PETA crabbiness yet on the whole issue. I expect that it's forthcoming...as they are already gearing up for their anti-Alaska fishing campaign this season!

I've included a video from YouTube for your entertainment!

They broke the race up into two heats, men and women. It's hysterical watching these folks trying to run in their costumes! Also, you'll notice there are about 500 participants in this - and only 10 reindeer!