Rondy revived: organizers spark new life in Anchorge's winter festival.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Alaska: This Month

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Organizers of the 2008 Fur Rendezvous are catapulting the longtime festival into the 21st century by uniting technology with tradition.

This year's Rondy, which runs from Feb. 22 to March 2, features new events, returning favorites and a fresh synergy.

The revitalized 73-year-old winter festival returns after cutbacks in 2007 and an uncertain future due to financial difficulties in 2006.

New this year is Running of the Reindeer, an Alaska take on the human-bull dash in Pamplona, Spain, said Susan Duck, executive director of festival operator Greater Anchorage Inc. On Feb. 24, about a dozen reindeer from the Palmer Reindeer Farm will trot down Fourth Avenue in separate men's and women's divisions. The event already is generating wide interest, Duck said. Also, these animals are more timid than dangerous, she added.

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Other 2008 additions include a snowboard halfpipe to be built at Third Avenue and C Street, a warming tent at the downtown carnival and shuttles throughout downtown and to the Dimond Center for the Native Arts Market.

Rondy organizers also are coordinating teens who will generate content via a downtown wireless Internet hot spot for text, video and photo blog, Duck said.

"We're really focusing on getting youth participation," she said.

The Rondy Web site will be rebuilt to accommodate technology and speedy updates and coupons, Duck envisions.

The World Championship Sled Dog Races also will receive a makeover this year. Rondy organizers are working to increase the winning purse to increase competition for the three-day event.

Ernie Hall, incoming Rondy board president, recalls the heyday of past races when two or three teams rushed to the Fourth Avenue finish simultaneously. He envisions future popularity with the races again broadcast on TV.

An opportunity to work with the dog teams is new this year. Pit crews of four can donate $2,500 for access to the Fourth Avenue staging area and a musher, Duck said.

Last year, amid her first-year duties as executive director, Duck was assigned to hold straining dog teams at the start.

"It was the highlight of my year," she said. "I hope I get to do it again."

The Alaska Native culture gathering, held Feb. 23-24 this year at the Egan Civic & Convention Center, also is being enhanced. Attendees can see and try drumming, singing and dancing, Duck said.

RONDY REBORN

Fur Rondy and its operating group Greater Anchorage Inc. are on the comeback after...