Run, run, Rudolph!

Last weekend, Ethan and I went to the Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy) 2nd Annual Reindeer Run. This is something they started last year to generate more interest in Fur Rondy, and I have to say, it's pretty cool. It's like the running of the bulls in Spain, only less gory. They release about 10 reindeer to run with the crowd. A female reindeer in heat is at the end of the run in a corral, which entices the males to run toward her. Of course, this generates a lot of jokes about not running into the pen or you might get some reindeer sausage (heh heh).

Here are some pics from the event.

A lot of people dress up in costume. These are the first few runners from the men's heat. I like the Easter bunny.

Another pic of the costumes. The caveman guy came with a cavewoman, who was even more scantily dressed. And it was cold out there!

Here are some people actually running with a reindeer. I was way in the back, so I had to hold my camera up high, which is why this picture sucks.


The recalcitrant reindeer. This guy apparently had already gotten some reindeer lovin', because he wasn't too interested in running to the end of the course. He turned around about halfway through and started running back to the beginning. The handlers had to come grab him and take him back to the end.

Last year, some animal rights people complained because the event "scared the reindeer". I think these reindeer are lucky, because they could be out in the wild getting eaten by a bear, which would be much, much scarier. In my opinion, one little afternoon of confusion is not too high a price to pay for a lifetime of safety.