Nenana Ice Classic

It is an event in which individuals attempt to guess the exact time the Tanana River ice will break up at Nenana.

[2] After coming the closest to betting on breakup of the Tanana ice, Lee won an equivalent amount of "a couple of rounds at the trading post bar.

The "tripod", which actually has four supports, is planted on the river ice between the highway and railroad bridges in Nenana, 300 ft from the shore.

The tripod parts are built and painted prior to the festival sourcing local timber and enlisting community members.

The Tanana River at Nenana usually freezes between October and November, reaching an average peak thickness of 41 inches (104 cm) on April 1.

On March 27, 2022, the contest was featured on HBO show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver where the host pledged a donation to the Food Bank of Alaska.

The Tanana River with the tripod on the ice during the 2008 Nenana Ice Classic. The Mears Memorial Bridge is in the background.
Closeup of the tripod, sitting on dry land. This large striped wooden structure is placed on the frozen Tanana River each year.