Breaking the Ice


Back in 1917, Railroad workers in Alaska who were bored during a long winter, set up a betting pool in which the winner determined the date and time that the ice on the Tanana River would break. Since then the event has grown to become the Nenana Ice Classic which attracts thousands. This year's jackpot is $283,723.00. But the neatest part is how they mark when the ice has broken. A wooden tripod is set up on the ice and wired to a clock in a tower along the shore. The winning time is determined when the ice moves enough to tighten the wire and trip the clock.
     Posted By: Nethie - Mon May 11, 2009
     Category: Boredom | Contests, Races and Other Competitions | History | Nature





Comments
Alaska; where a normal lottery is just too boring.
Posted by Matt in Florida on 05/11/09 at 11:57 AM
I can't think of an easier way to make 284,000 dollars, can you?
Posted by Nethie on 05/11/09 at 07:39 PM
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