On a bend in the road, about fifty miles northeast of Glennallen, lies the village of Chistochina. With a population of about 93 (according to the 2000 census), Chistochina appears to be nothing more than a scattered collection of buildings and homes along the road: a few houses here and there, a softball field and community hall, a dirt runway, a school, and a small convenience store. In the distance Mt. Sanford towers majestically, while Sinona Creek (supporting a small run of king salmon) and the braided Chistochina River find their way to the Copper River. This spot on the map appears to be just that.

But the sleepy appearance belies an active community. One of the most visible signs of this living, breathing village spirit is the annual Chistochina Fun Days at the end of February.

In 1981, a group of Chistochina young people were sitting around and decided that the village needed a local dog race for some mid-winter excitement. Mid-winter can be a trying time for Alaskans – by February, many people are starting to tire of the cold weather, deep snow, and short days. At the same time, the end of February usually brings milder temperatures (i.e., above zero) and longer daylight hours, a perfect combination for outdoor winter fun. For many communities in Alaska, a winter celebration is in order. Thus, Chistochina Fun Days was born.

The weather is mild, the sun bright, and the air filled with the sound of barking dogs. It’s a perfect day for this community event, attracting participants from the neighboring villages of Copper Center, Gakona, and Mentasta, as well as mushers from Chugiak (near Anchorage) and Canada. This year (2008) there are only seven adults participating in the 6-dog class/6 mile race. However, there are lots of kids eager to participate: four in the 4-dog class, eleven in the 2-dog class, and twelve in the 1-dog class. Some of the one-doggers probably weigh less than the dogs; nevertheless, they know how to ride a dog-sled. Their expressions range from huge smiles to serious intensity; there may very well be some future racers amongst these kids.

While the dog-races are the staple of the annual event, sometimes attracting as many as a dozen adult mushers from various locations in the state, there are other events as well. A snowshoe race has been held every year since its inception, though its form and distance has changed from year to year. There is also a Poker Run on snow machines every year. At one point, for about five years, it was a huge event, attracting upwards of fifty participants who rode twenty-five miles in hopes of drawing the best hand. Kids games, raffles, and plenty of food fill out the schedule over the two days, providing a wonderful antidote for the mid-winter blues and cabin fever.

Surprisingly, at least by American standards, the same group of people who started this tradition nearly thirty years ago, are the organizers of the event today. And while there are various sponsors for the event – Mount Sanford Tribal Consortium, Northwind Enterprises, Ahtna, Inc., and Alaska Power and Telephone, to name a few – the event would not take place without the people of Chistochina. As one race organizer said, “The community is definitely the main support for this race. It seems like everyone pitches in one way or another.”

So if you’re driving along the highway between Tok and Glennallen on your next trip to Alaska, don’t zoom through Chistochina without giving it a second glance. Stop in at Posty’s and visit with Barb and browse through the locally made crafts. Stay at the Chistochina Bed & Breakfast or the Sinona Creek Campground. Take a moment to get beyond the quiet appearance of the village and find the vibrant community that lives here.