Photos: 53rd annual World Eskimo-Indian Olympics

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Vanessa Tahbone of Nome competes in the Head Pull at WEIO 2014 on July 19, 2014 in Fairbanks. Tahbone took the gold medal in the competition with zero losses. In the Head Pull event, a leather strap is placed around both of the competitors' heads. The competitors have only their feet and hands on the ground and attempt to pull his or her opponent over a line or to pull the strap away from his or her opponent.

The 53rd World Eskimo-Indian Olympics is underway at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, making this weekend a great opportunity to witness spectacular competitions of strength, agility and tolerance for pain, as well as traditional Alaska Native dancing and arts and crafts.

Popular events include the blanket toss, where people are flung into the air on blankets made of walrus skin; and the ear pull, a nail-biting event for onlookers where competitors face off in a tug-of-war, using twine looped around one ear. Other less painful but still crowd-pleasing events include the one- and two-foot high kicks and the Alaskan high kick.

WEIO runs through Saturday, July 19, and the entry fee for adults is $12. Find a full schedule on their website.