
The 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, also known as “The Last Great Race,” is now scheduled to run from Fairbanks to Nome, moving it closer to its original historic route. March 3, 2025, marks the fourth time in history that the Iditarod will restart in Fairbanks. The Iditarod Trail Committee made the announcement on February 17, 2025, after conditions on some portions of the trail south of Fairbanks were deemed unpassable. Located in the center of Alaska, the Fairbanks region with a population just under 100,000, is well equipped for hosting the renowned Iditarod. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge on the Chena River will serve as the headquarters and location for the restart.
Dog mushing, Alaska’s official state sport, has proven a reliable form of transportation for hundreds of years. This is shown by “The Serum Run” of 1925 where heroic dogs and mushers became life savers in an incredible race against time. The Iditarod was inspired by this legendary journey that began just south of Fairbanks in the town of Nenana and ended 674 miles later in the small city of Nome which was facing a diphtheria outbreak. A 20-pound cylinder of diphtheria serum traveled via the Alaska Railroad from Seward to Nenana, and it was there that the serum began its grueling trip to Nome with the help of 20 mushers and more than 100 dogs. This epic run was accomplished in only five days when Gunnar Kaasen and his lead dog Balto arrived in Nome on February 2, 1925.
The Iditarod will bring an added boost of energy and excitement to Fairbanks’ already event-filled March. With mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, this time of year has one-of-a-kind events like the World Ice Art Championships where more than 50 international ice sculptors turn enormous blocks of ice into works of art. Travelers journey to the Fairbanks area from all over the world from August 21 through April 21, also known as the Aurora Season. Located under the Auroral Oval, Fairbanks offers a balance of clear nights and occurrence frequency and activity resulting in an increased likelihood of seeing the dynamic lights.
In addition to outdoor fun, there are plenty of museums, art galleries and creative performances to enjoy. Be sure to make the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center your first stop in Fairbanks where can find information on things to do during your stay.
To learn more about the Iditarod, visit www.iditarod.com. For more information on Fairbanks, request a free copy of the Fairbanks Visitors Guide and Winter Guide by calling 1-800-327-5774 or (907) 456-5774. Order or view the guides online, get information about the aurora borealis and see a robust schedule of winter events and activities online at www.explorefairbanks.com.
Explore Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
AFN Continues to Advocate for Change
Advocating for Rural Education
The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is committed to advocating for the needs and rights of Alaska Natives, including in the realm of education. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are raising awareness about the critical issues impacting our rural schools, particularly in relation to House Bill 69 which is legislation to increase support to all schools by raising the base student allocation.
During the 2024 AFN Convention the membership unanimously passed resolution 24-11 calling on the Alaska Legislature to increase the BSA and inflation proof to ensure all schools can meet the educational needs of their students.
On January 27, the House Education Committee held a hearing to discuss pressing educational challenges faced by our communities. During the hearing, Benjamin Mallott, AFN President, provided key testimony highlighting the high cost of energy and the substantial difficulties in operating rural schools without the necessary support.
We encourage everyone to listen to the hearing to gain insights into the discussions and testimonies provided. For your convenience, the minutes and audio can be accessed here: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=hb69#tab4_4.
We invite our communities to engage in this vital conversation and support House Bill 69. One way to contribute is by writing letters to your legislators and the House and Senate Education Committees, sharing your experiences and advocating for the support our schools desperately need. You can send your email testimony to [email protected] and [email protected]. To locate your legislators’ contact information, please visit www.akleg.gov.
Alaska Federation of Natives
Anchorage, AK
Get a head start on summer with a garden plan
Want to grow your own food this summer? Now is a great time to plan your garden, incorporating your goals for growing your own food in the space you have available.
In this free webinar, Heidi Rader, a professor with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, will offer gardening advice.
Rader, who directs the Alaska Tribes Extension Program, will discuss how to design and lay out your garden space, how to choose fruits and vegetables that will grow in your area and more.
She will share ways to optimize your growing space for maximum food production and how to choose what to grow in a small space. Rader will also discuss how to keep a garden journal to help you improve your garden next year and better tailor it to meet your family’s needs and goals.
The free statewide class will be held from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, via Zoom. Registration is required via this online form.
The webinar is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
For more information, contact Molly Johansson at 907-786-6313 or [email protected].
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK