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 Fairbanks Winter Carnival

"A beautiful marriage of art and sports," says their public relations coordinator.

This event used to be the responsibility of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce. In January 2001 the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously approved the transfer of full responsibility for Winter Carnival to Ice Alaska. In 2004, Ice Alaska teamed up with the Fairbanks Arts Association and the Alaska Dog Musher's Association, pooling their promotion resources.

They used to list events on their website http://www.fairbankswintercarnival.com, but the link reports broken now. We are finding it increasingly difficult to update this event.

Historical Notes:

 2001 Winter Carnival theme "Come Out and Play" was the same as the one used in 1934, the inception of Winter Carnival

As in 1934, the 2001 Winter Carnival featured many of the same events. There were dog racing events such as the Nordic/Polka, Parade of Nations, and the International Sled Dog World Championship with over 70 nations represented. The Limited North American Championship and the ACS Open North American Championship  attracted the very best mushers.

Family Fun Day had free Ice Park admission. Among the events planned in 2001 were ice bowling, an Army equipment display, the Alaska ONE Red-Green Cross Country Ski Race, ice miniature golf, Seekins Sleigh rides, Native Alaskan dancers, the Ice & Dice show, Alaskan Fiddlers, Ice Sculpting Demonstrations, North American Dog Weight Pull, a Chili Cooking contest, the Olympic Trials and Single-Block Classic Award & Lighting Ceremony and finally a Children's Marshmallow Roast. A special highlight was the crowning of the Winter Carnival King and Queen. The official crowning took place on the ice stage at Ice Park.