For the first time in Alaskan history, the freezing or not freezing of the Kenai River may net someone a $5,000 cash prize.
Tickets will go on sale at the Kenai Silver Derby awards luncheon September 20, at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center. A $5.00 dollar ticket for either “Freeze” or “No Freeze” will get the holder a chance to win the grand prize at the 2024 Frozen River Festival in February.
If the river is not frozen at a determined location on that date a lottery drawing will happen at the Festival. If the river is frozen at that date, a “Frozen” ticket will be drawn for the grand prize.
If the river is frozen both Rotary clubs will work together to deploy a tripod and a movement of ice classic similar to the Nenana Ice Classic will occur.
The annual event in Nenana began in 1917 when a group of railroad engineers created an $800 pool, betting when the ice on the Nenana River would break up. For the last 106 years the guessing game has become a yearly opportunity for some lucky people to cash in on a big payout. In 2023, the Nenana Ice Classic jackpot was $222,101
As for the Kenai River Ice Classic, all proceeds from the “Freeze/No Freeze” lottery will go to Soldotna/Kenai Rotary projects. Tickets will be available until January 31, 2024 from any Rotarian, Soldotna or Kenai Chamber of Commerce visitor centers and local businesses.
For more information, call Linzey White 907-887-3324 or Meg Mueller 907-740-3501
