Running of the Reindeer

So not only was last weekend the start of the Iditarod, but it was also the end of Fur Rondy.  Andy and I skipped most of the festivities this year because it's hard to have an 8 month old be outside in the cold for several hours, but we wanted to show Lauren some of the fun.  Andy and I had never gone to see the Running of the Reindeer, so we decided we'd go back downtown after the Iditarod on Saturday and check it out.

We got to 4th Avenue just about five minutes before they brought out the reindeer.  They don't look very menacing when you see them up close - they're not much bigger than Ripley! The bulls in Pamplona they are not...

I think in all they had about 8-10 reindeer in the race.

Everyone lined up on the street to watch the race. A local radio DJ provided some pretty funny color commentary, mostly commenting on everyone's costumes (or lack thereof...)

All of a sudden, it was time for the runners to go! They had everyone group up for various heats.  First was the ladies.  You can see the Fur Rondy Court (with the fur coats, crowns and sashes) in the front of the pack.  

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And then they let the reindeer go!! Maybe a little more menacing when you see them run...

The second heat was the men.  I think this guy wins for least amount of clothing.  And no, I don't think any of these people were sober.

I don't want you to think that guy was the only mostly naked one.  We saw a LOT of people in their underwear (unfortunately).

Reindeer!!

After the men ran, it was time for groups.  We didn't stay for that heat because we were all starving for dinner, but it was fun to walk by and check out all the costumes.  In all, it was a REALLY entertaining event! Would recommend! (See...people...you should all come visit us in the wintertime. You can watch crazy drunk Alaskans race outhouses, get pulled by a team of sled dogs through the state's largest city, and run away from reindeer!)

And after three short days, we had to say goodbye to Auntie Lauren.  Thank you for coming to visit us, we love you and miss you already!!