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

• Jurisdiction: United States
• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Date: 01 February 2008

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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...