ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – From small-town parades to fireworks over the water, Alaskans are celebrating the Fourth of July in big ways across the state. Here’s a look at some of the holiday events happening from Anchorage to the Kenai, the Mat-Su, and communities around Alaska.
Anchorage
Anchorage’s Fourth of July celebrations include an all-day festival at Downtown’s Delaney Park Strip. The day starts off with a parade at 11 a.m. and is followed by a whole day of food, music, crafts, carnival rides, and patriotic observances.
The annual Alaska Baseball League will host a doubleheader between the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and the Anchorage Bucs, followed by a fireworks show.
Bethel
The City of Bethel will host a parade starting at 11 a.m. at the Port and ending at the Fitness Center. Following the parade, there will be a festival at Pinky’s Park Fairgrounds with music, food, games and fun for the whole family. There will be several games scheduled throughout the day.
Chugiak/Eagle River
The Eagle River Lions Park will host a fireworks show Friday evening. The party starts at 6 p.m., with food vendors and live music. The event will be at mile 1.5 off Eagle River Road, and there is a $5 cash-only parking fee.
Fairbanks
There are several events happening in Fairbanks to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
In Pioneer Park, the traditional Salute to the 50 States ceremony will start at 1 p.m. at the Gold Rush Gazebo, with fun activities around the park all day long.
At 6 p.m., the Goldpanners will play. There’ll be over 100 people at the game holding up a giant USA Flag and America 250 flag.
Girdwood
The Girdwood Forest Fair is a family fair that has become an annual event. The Forest Fair features Alaskan artists, hand-crafted items, exotic foods and entertainers from all over Alaska. For the Fourth of July, there will be a parade at 10 a.m. down the Alyeska Highway to the Forest Fair Park.
Homer
Homer’s annual 4th of July Parade from 3 to 4 p.m., rain or shine, will take place along Pioneer Avenue. This year’s theme is “America the Beautiful.” After the parade, the Homer Education and Recreation Center, located at 450 Sterling Hwy., will house live music, free food, kids’ activities and a beer garden until 8 p.m.
Houston
Houston is rolling out the fire hoses for its seventh annual Waterworks Show on Saturday, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Fire Station 9-1 (Mile 57, Parks Highway). The free family event will feature a “squirt gun scuffle” (with squirt guns provided), fire truck demonstrations, a giant water slide and snacks for kids.
Kodiak
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Kodiak with a full lineup of local events for all ages. From the annual 10K run and community parade to treasure hunts, golf, and bonfires, there are plenty of ways to come together and enjoy the holiday. There will be a parade at 11 a.m. at Oscar’s Dock. A Coast Guard flyover kicks off the event. Whether you are participating or cheering from the sidelines, we invite you to join your community and take part in the festivities.
Nome
The City of Nome will host a parade starting at 11 a.m. Following the parade, there will be a festival with bike races, wheelbarrow races, pie-eating contests and several games scheduled throughout the day. After the games, free ice cream will be available at the Nome Volunteer Fire Department.
North Pole
There will be a festival happening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2800 Grange Road. There will be live music, performances, food vendors, local businesses & handmade goods, kids’ activities and an overall festive atmosphere for all ages.
Seward
The City of Seward is hosting an all-day festival with BBQ meals, kids’ activities and a parade at 1 p.m. There will also be an assortment of Alaskan makers and artisans, food trucks, non-profits and wellness-based booths.
The 98th running of the Mount Marathon Race will also take place Saturday morning. Recognized as the oldest mountain race in North America, this grueling 3.1-mile event features a 3,022-foot elevation gain with punishing slopes reaching up to 60 degrees.
Sutton
One of the more infamous Fourth of July traditions in Alaska takes place here – the annual Glacier View Car Launch. This day-long event is known for brightly painted vehicles launching off a 300-foot cliff. Located at Mile 99 of the Glenn Highway, gates open at 8 a.m. and the first car soars off that cliff at approximately 2 p.m.
Two Rivers
There will be a community picnic at 11 am at the ballfield behind the Community Center, featuring a silent auction, highland games, and a free bouncy house for kids. The 23rd Annual Fireworks at Walsh Field will begin at 5 p.m. with festivities and fun. The fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m.
Utqiagvik
The Anaktaqtitchirt Committee in Utqiagvik has organized a weekend filled with activities. On Saturday at 12:30 p.m., the Independence Day Parade will start at City Hall. There will then be a Memorial Marathon race following the parade.
At 7 p.m., there will be a Unity Performance featuring all the Utqiagvik Eskimo Dance Groups.
The fun will continue into Sunday with kid and adult games like egg balance, two-foot hop, and iglukisaaq (rock juggling).
Valdez
Be sure to join the City of Valdez for a patriotic and eventful day. A 5K and a 1-mile fun run will kick off the day at Nayurluku Park. There will then be bike decorating, a free community picnic at 1 p.m., and live music at Kelsey Dock Plaza.
Wainwright
The City of Wainwright will be hosting a parade at 11 a.m., followed by games at 1 p.m. There will be a community cookout, relay races for several ages, and prizes for several people.
Wasilla
Wasilla’s Independence Day celebration features a full day of activities, kicking off with a downtown parade at 11 a.m. Following the parade, festivities continue at Iditapark for the Mayor’s Picnic from 1 to 3 p.m., featuring free hot dogs, live entertainment, and a talent show. The celebration concludes with the Music in the Park Finale running from 3 to 9 p.m.
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