Anchorage Alaska Videos that Bring Back Downtown, Rondy, and Winter Days

Watch snow falling on 4th Avenue as old downtown scenes flicker back to life in these Anchorage Alaska Videos.

From Fur Rondy parades and the Walk for Hope to afternoons at Valley of the Moon Park, this collection turns familiar Anchorage moments into a quick trip back to the days people still remember by heart.

These Anchorage, Alaska videos are not just recordings; they are treasures full of memories and stories waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you’re reliving your own past or simply exploring a bygone era,  you'll find this heartwarming journey worth taking.

In the video above, as Petula Clark's enchanting voice fills the air with her 1965 hit “Downtown,” you're transported back to a snowy day in 1970 in Anchorage, Alaska.

The scene unfolds with a gentle snowfall blanketing 4th Avenue, transforming the bustling street into a nostalgic wonderland. Looking down, through a window of the Crow's Nest at the Captain Cook Hotel, you catch glimpses of locals navigating the thick snow, each moment infused with warmth and familiarity.

Whether it’s people bundled up in scarves, or the soft glow of streetlights breaking through the winter haze, the charm of this wintry day lingers, inviting you to sit back, relax, and relish the beauty of simpler times.

Hope in Every Step: The 1976 Anchorage Walk for Hope

Walk for Hope: A Nostalgic Journey

Have you ever participated in the iconic “Walk for Hope”?

This cherished event, captured in this 1970s video, offers a delightful glimpse into the past, where walkers embark on a journey filled with camaraderie, determination, and a touch of nostalgia.

A Walk to Remember

This video takes you on a journey from the moment participants sign in to begin their walk, right through to the triumphant finish line. Although the path is long and often challenging, with aching muscles and tired feet as constant companions, the spirit of hope and perseverance shines through.

Look for Familiar Faces

As you watch, you might spot yourself, friends, or family members among the determined crowd. The faces reflect a sense of community and shared purpose, and each step is a testament to the individual's commitment to a cause greater than themselves.

Groovin' to the Beat of the 70s

Adding to the charm of the video is the infectious hit song “A Fifth of Beethoven” by Walter Murphy and the Big Apple Band. This catchy tune, a disco adaptation of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, perfectly fits the vibrant and dynamic energy of the era.

Fashion Flashback

This video also serves as a time capsule, capturing the unique clothing and hairstyles of the 1970s. From bell-bottoms to colorful prints, the fashion of the era is on full display, offering a fun and nostalgic look back at a distinct period in style history.

Behind the Lens

The video’s creation was a collaborative effort. It was skillfully filmed by Mike of Anchorage Memories, with Joe Gill of KAKM serving as the engineer.

Together, they followed the walker’s route from start to finish, ensuring that every moment was immortalized on video.

Capturing Joy: Remembering Good Times at the Valley of the Moon Park

A Cherished Anchorage Memory

The Valley of the Moon Park, affectionately known to our family as the “Rocket Ship” park, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Nestled in Anchorage, this delightful playground has been a source of joy and adventure for children of all ages.

A Day at the Park

In the video capturing these treasured moments, children can be seen basking in the warmth of a sunny day, their excitement echoing through the air. The park's iconic structure, reminiscent of a rocket ship, provides endless opportunities for imaginative play and exploration.

Scenes from Nulbay Park

Interspersed with the joyful scenes at Valley of the Moon are glimpses of Nulbay Park, located in downtown Anchorage. This additional setting adds depth to the video, showcasing the diverse play environments within the city.

Behind the Lens

The heartwarming video was skillfully captured by Mike of Anchorage Memories, with Joe Gill of KAKM serving as the talented engineer. Their work immortalizes the essence of these joyful days, allowing the memories to live on.

A Musical Touch

Accompanying the visuals is the enchanting song “Return to Pooh Corner” by Kenny Loggins. Its soothing melody and nostalgic lyrics perfectly complement the scenes, enhancing the emotional connection to the past.

This video is a cherished reminder of those happy times spent at the Valley of the Moon Park, a beloved Anchorage favorite that continues to bring smiles to many families.

From Radio Waves to the TV Screen: Remember When Marcus in the Morning Starred in a Movie?

Double-Oh-Marcus: the Spy Who Flubbed Me, starring Marcus in the Morning in the leading role. A bumbling spy who…bumbles a lot.

This movie is a whacky blend of espionage, juvenile humor, and local charm, and it has captured the hearts of many in Anchorage and beyond.

The Cast

The film not only features Marcus but also includes some of Anchorage's favorite personalities:

• Herb Shaindlin: The villain — of course.
• Chuck Talsky: Captivates the audience as the Golden Oldy.
• Dean Berg: The stone-faced gadget guy.
• Michelle Hilton: The leading lady who lets Marcus drag her through the whole caper.

Filming Locations

The film was shot in and around the city of Anchorage, Alaska. This location provided a fun backdrop for the movie’s silly escapades. Key scenes were filmed in several notable areas:

• Downtown Anchorage: Known for its vibrant cityscape.
• Muldoon: For a snowy scene on snowmobiles.
• National Guard Armory: Situated near Ted Stevens Airport, this location was used as a sound stage for one important scene.

With a combination of local talent and Anchorage settings, this movie is a fun treat… if you don't have anything else to do.

Surviving Spring Break Up in Anchorage: The Ultimate Road Trip

Oh, the Joys of Spring “Breakup”

In Anchorage, it's a unique season that evokes a mix of nostalgia and relief for residents. It marks the time when the cold grip of winter begins to loosen, but not without leaving behind a few challenges.

Navigating the Slush and Mud

As the ice and snow begin to melt, the streets of Anchorage transform into a slushy, muddy maze. Water-filled streets and countless new potholes appear, making driving and walking a formidable task. The once pristine winter landscape becomes a waterlogged obstacle course, turning cars dirty and making each step a risky endeavor.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

For those who have moved away from Anchorage, watching a video capturing the essence of spring breakup is a vivid reminder of the transition from winter to spring. It brings back memories of those happy, but messy, days when the promise of warmer, greener seasons ahead kept spirits high.

The Promise of Alaska's Summer

Despite the sloppy conditions, spring breakup is a promise of the beautiful summer to follow.

Alaskans look forward to camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities that the warmer months bring. The anticipation of lush greenery and endless daylight is enough to endure the temporary inconvenience of the breakup season.

Behind the Scenes of the Video

The video that captures this unique time in Anchorage was skillfully shot by Mike of Anchorage Memories, with Joe Gill of KAKM as the engineer. It features footage from various locations, including Spenard, the University of Alaska Anchorage campus, and several road intersections around town.

Adding to the nostalgic feel of the video is the classic tune “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” by Neil Sedaka, perfectly setting up the bittersweet nature of this seasonal transition.

In essence, spring breakup is a time of transformation and anticipation.

Anchorage Alaska Videos

How an Outhouse and Dynamite Sparked a Legendary Alaskan Eatery: The Quirky Origins of the Double Musky Inn

Have you ever been to the Double Musky Inn?

It's an Alaskan treasure. And the story of how it all came to be is a funny adventure that could only happen in the 49th state.

Yes, a stick of dynamite had something to do with how this now world-famous restaurant came about.

In this short video, Mike will introduce you to the characters in this fun story and tell you what happened when a man named Julian lit that dynamite fuse.

Have you ever seen it raining wood chips and splinters?

Are you ready to smile? You'll enjoy this Alaskan adventure.

Discover how it all began.

Snow, Fur, and Fun: Relive the Magic of the 1959 Anchorage Fur Rendezvous

This video does not have sound.

See how Anchorage celebrated Fur Rondy in the late 1950s.

Remember how we all looked? Remember how Anchorage looked.

Our town was a truly special place, and the Fur Rendezvous was a long awaited, happy time for community fun that holds a dear place in our hearts.

What were your favorite things to do during the Rondy?

Watch this video and remember when.

Discovering Anchorage's 1964 Fur Rendezvous: Captured Moments to Cherish

There is no sound on this video.

This Super 8 home movie takes you to the Fur Rendezvous in the 1960s.

Were you there?

Remember the carnival, the sled dog races, food, and fun? Rondy meant school was out, so we could enjoy the festivities.

Maybe you'll see yourself in the video. Or your friends or family.

Anchorage Alaska Videos

Michael Landon
Rode His Horse Through Town
at the 1965 Fur Rendezvous

This video does not have sound.

Remember when actor Michael Landon (“Little Joe”) on the TV show Bonanza was the grand marshal in the 1965 Rondy parade?

Word has it that the ladies lined the parade route to catch a glimpse of Michael Landon as he rode by.

Mr. Landon had just flown in from sunny and warm Hollywood, California, and was plenty cold as he sat in the saddle and rode through town. Yes, those were the days.

Mike of Anchorage Memories shot this 8mm film footage. It was the first movie film Mike ever shot.

Were you there? You might see yourself in this fun look at 1965.

Sled Dogs, and More: The Thrills of the 1965 Fur Rendezvous

There is no sound on this video.

The 1965 sled dog races, blanket toss, and actor Michael Landon from the TV show “Bonanza” brought Anchorage lots of fun.

The action in the film gets close as it follows several dog teams around a sharp turn as they race out of town. It's up close with the World Championship sled dog races.

A Fur Rendezvous favorite.

Mike of Anchorage Memories shot this 8mm film footage.

And you'll see 1965 Anchorage.

Turn Up the Volume: 1970s Anchorage Radio Rock and Roll DJs Play the Hits 

Remember how radio sounded in our town back in the 1970s?

Meet two of Anchorage's top 40 DJs and watch them do their radio shows while you listen to all the fun music from back in the day.

Mr. Whitekeys does the introduction and the interviews.

Shot and edited for KAKM channel 7 by Mike Dougherty of Anchorage Memories and engineered by Joe Gill.

Let the toe-tapping music in this video capture your heart.

Rediscover the Nostalgic Charm of Anchorage's Pulsating Heartbeats Band and their Hit song "Anne." 

Do you remember dancing to all the bands at the Pacesetters dances throughout our town?

Who were your favorite local bands?

One of those bands was known as The Pulsating Heartbeats. And they came up with an original song that became a local and regional hit.

Do you remember hearing their recording of the song “Anne” when popular Anchorage radio personality Ron Moore played it on the Coke Show?

Great times for Anchorage teens.

Take a Nostalgic Trip with Theda Comstock’s Beloved Anchorage TV Theme Song

Remember watching “The Woman's Touch,” hosted by Theda Comstock?

Click on the following video to hear her TV show's theme song.

By the way, the song is called “Toy Parade.”

When Anchorage Teens Rocked the Screen: The Varsity Show Revisited

Did you dance on KTVA channel 11's Varsity Show, watch the show at home, or were you part of the Varsity Show crew?

The Varsity Show was Anchorage's version of the popular teen dance show, American Bandstand with Dick Clark.

Every Saturday afternoon during the school year, Anchorage teens danced to the latest hit songs from the KTVA channel 11 studios in the McKinley building downtown.

Then, following the 1964 earthquake, teens danced in the TV studios in Spenard.

Watch this video and see the story of Anchorage Memories author Mary J. Dougherty, an Anchorage teen who joined The Varsity Show as a “Go Go Girl” and was one of the stars in the show's commercials.

How Well Do You Remember Anchorage? Take the Anchorage Memories Game Show Challenge

Play the Anchorage Memories Game Show Videos

And see how much you know about Anchorage.

You'll love it.

Anchorage Alaska Videos

Remembering the Downtown Loussac Library: Anchorage’s Gathering Place Through Generations

Do you remember going to the Loussac Library downtown?

It was a wonderful place.

Anchorage Alaska Videos include this look at pioneer Z.J. Loussac.

Meet the Man Behind Spenard, Spenard Lake and Spenard Road: Joe Spenard and His Colorful Anchorage Legacy

Yes, Spenard Road, the lake, and the town all bear the name of a very colorful character.

Meet Anchorage pioneer Joe Spenard.

Fresh Flowers in the Frozen North: A Story of Anchorage’s Beginnings

Meet Anchorage pioneer John B. Bagoy and discover how he was able to bring fresh flowers to happy Anchorage residents.

She was the First Principal and Teacher of Anchorage’s First School

Yes, Orah Dee Clark Middle School got its name from this remarkable Anchorage pioneer.

She first came to Anchorage when it was still just a tent city to be the supervisor and a teacher in the first school, now known as the Pioneer School building.

The Power of

Nostalgic Film and Video

Because of today's collections of film and video, you can see what Anchorage was like in days gone by, and you can see what it looks like today.

And you can enjoy seeing the precious events and times that are so dear to your heart.

Yes, the film and video you see here on Anchorage Memories makes your nostalgic journey even more enjoyable.

Now take a look at the following: