EVENTS CALENDAR 4
Compiled By Tasha Anderson
STATE-WIDE
Independence Day
Across the state, Alaska celebrates Independence Day. Check with local chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus for more information.
19
ANCHORAGE
Salmon Daze Celebration
Wild salmon is one of Alaska’s most valuable resources, and this festival celebrates the tasty fish with face painting, a fish pond, smoked salmon contest, and live music and performances. Anchorage Museum courtyard, Noon to 6 p.m. anchoragedowntown.org
20
Salmon Bake
This is the summer fundraiser for the Alaska Aviation Museum. It includes low fly-bys over the lake, a live band, live and silent auctions, door prizes, and of course, delicious salmon to eat. Anchorage Aviation Museum, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. alaskaairmuseum.org/salmon-bake
26-27
Arctic Thunder
The biannual Arctic Thunder Open House features performances by the US Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team. The pilots perform approximately forty maneuvers in a demonstration. The entire show, including the beginning ground ceremony, lasts about one hour. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.jber.af.mil/arcticthunder/
18-19
CORDOVA
Copper River Wild!
Cordova celebrates all things salmon over this weekend. Events include the Salmon Jam music festival, Taste of Cordova salmon cook-off, a local arts and crafts fair, live music, various runs/walks, a salmon barbeque, and activities for children. Mt. Eyak Ski Hill (unless otherwise indicated), various times. copperriverwild.org
9-13
EAGLE RIVER
Bear Paw Festival
This festival celebrates the people who have built Alaska and those who continue to help it grow. Events include a carnival, bear sculptures, skating competition, picnic, parade, quilters show, barbeques, classic car show, bull riding and barrel racing, live entertainment, food, and more. Various locations and times. bearpawfestival.org
13-27
FAIRBANKS
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
The goal of the festival is to enrich lives, through study and performance, by engaging participants’ spirits, intellect, and energy. It offers one hour, one day, and one week workshops. Various locations and times. fsaf.org
16-19
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
These traditional games display the preparedness needed for survival, requiring strength, agility, and endurance, including the seal hop, four man carry, ear weight, ear pull, high kick, one-hand reach, and nalukataq, or blanket toss. Carlson Center, various times. weio.org
16-20
Golden Days
This year’s theme is “The Gold & the Beautiful,” and the annual festival will include a kick-off party, duck race, parade, senior luncheon, comedy night, jail, street fair, and more. fairbankschamber.org/goldendays/
11-13
FUNNY RIVER
Funny River Bluegrass Festival
This festival is a collection of bluegrass musicians and enthusiasts from across the state and includes food and other vendors. Funny River, starts 3 p.m. Friday. facebook.com/FunnyRiverBluegrass www.akbizmag.com
4-6
GIRDWOOD
Girdwood Forest Fair
This family fair features Alaskan artists, hand-crafted items, exotic foods, and live entertainers from around the state, with the Forest Fair parade on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Girdwood Fairgrounds, various times. girdwoodforestfair.com
12-13
HOMER
Concert on the Lawn
Sponsored by KBBI, this concert brings together talented musicians from home and beyond for a community weekend in support of public radio. The concern also includes food and craft vendors. Karen Hornaday Park, all day. kbbi.org/content/concert-on-the-lawn
19
PALMER
Color Festival
With roots in ancient India, Color Festival is a joyful reminder to cast away bad feelings and throw worries to the wind. Join the throngs of people laughing, playing, dancing, eating, and filling the sky with clouds of bright color. The festival includes live music, dance, and yoga instruction. Alaska State Fairgrounds Purple Gate, 11 a.m. colorfestival.com/locations/Anchorage
23
Palmer Pride Picnic
This free picnic celebrates pride in downtown Palmer and is hosted by Palmer businesses and the City of Palmer. It includes Palmer Pride hotdogs, fresh vegetables, live music, and a citizen of the year presentation. Palmer Railroad Depot, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. palmerchamber.org
4
SEWARD
Mount Marathon Race
This annual foot race is a 1.5 mile challenge up Mount Marathon and back. Registration is closed by July, except for the July 3 Auction & Raffle, but spectators can enjoy the race finish and the awards ceremony at the AVTEC gymnasium at 6 p.m. Downtown Seward; junior race starts 9:30 a.m.; women’s at 11:15 a.m. and 11:20 a.m.; men’s at 3 p.m. and 3:05 p.m. mmr.seward.com
26-27
SOLDOTNA
Soldotna Progress Days
This is the largest event of the year for the Soldotna community and includes a parade, family activities, a Dutch oven competition, and community picnic. Soldotna Little League Fields, various times. visitsoldotna.com/
4
TALKEETNA
Moose on Parade
Local businesses decorate wooden moose, which are on display throughout town. After a parade at noon, the moose are sold at an auction. Village Park, afternoon. alaskavisit.com
23-27
WRANGELL
Bearfest
This festival is a celebration of the bears of Alaska. This year’s special guest is Ray Troll, an Alaskan artist from Ketchikan. Events include street games, a salmon bake, bear symposium and workshops, live music, a marathon, photo contest, story tellers, an arts fair, and more. Various locations and times. alaskabearfest.org
7/30-8/3
VALDEZ
Valdez Gold Rush Days
Celebrate the past, present, and future of Valdez with proceeds donated to various local charities. Events include a film festival, fish fry, triathlon, parade, Build a Boat/Hope it Floats, fashion show, cupcake war, and more. Various times and locations. valdezgoldrushdays.org July 2014 | Alaska Business Monthly
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