Alaska

Here’s your guide to Alaska’s summer fairs and festivals in 2022

Published

3 years ago

May 25, 2022

Here’s your guide to Alaska’s summer fairs and festivals in 2022

Fireworks burst over the boat harbor in Seward at midnight on July 4, 2015. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Regardless that it’s felt like summer season for a lot of Could, Memorial Day weekend often alerts the unofficial begin to the season in Alaska. For a lot of, summer season means fishing, tenting and loads of time within the outdoor. But it surely additionally means attending the festivals and gala’s sprinkled all through the forty ninth state.

From Kodiak to Hen and factors in between, right here’s a information to 2022 summer season festivals taking place throughout Alaska.

Crab Fest: Kodiak, Could 26-30

The Kodiak Crab Fest and Parade contains 5 days of actions and occasions to rejoice the group in Kodiak. The parade will likely be on Saturday, Could 28, however there will likely be dwell music, contests and actions all day, on daily basis from Thursday till Monday.

Bluegrass followers spent three days on the Trapper Creek Bluegrass Pageant having fun with the music, dancing, tenting and hanging out with fellow followers in 2015. (Bob Hallinen / ADN archive)

Trapper Creek Bluegrass Pageant: Trapper Creek, Could 27-29

The Trapper Creek Bluegrass Pageant, hosted at Boot’s Bison Ranch, is a weekend of folks enjoyable and bluegrass music. Attendance will likely be restricted and tickets are $100, which incorporates tenting for all three days.

Nice Alaska Craft Beer and Dwelling Beer Pageant: Haines, Could 27-28 (Offered out)

The Nice Alaska Beerfest options beer from throughout Alaska and the Yukon. Friday would be the house brew contest (registration required; not open to the general public), and Saturday will begin with the Slammin’ Salmon Enjoyable Run, adopted by the beer tasting. Don’t overlook to deliver money for meals.

Spenard Jazz Fest: Anchorage, Could 31-June 5

The fifteenth annual Spenard Jazz Fest will likely be a chance to expertise up-and-coming native artists, in addition to see professionals from inside and outdoors the jazz group. Tickets can be found for buy for particular person concert events, however members get free and discounted live performance admission. There will likely be per week of music and reveals, together with free First Friday concert events June 3 on the Anchorage Museum.

Yakutat Tern Pageant: Yakutat, June 2-5

The eleventh annual Yakutat Tern Pageant is a celebration of Yakutat, artwork, and the one of many largest nesting colonies of Aleutian terns, Arctic terns and the remainder of the large number of fowl species that nest in or close to Yakutat. There will likely be 4 days of family-friendly actions and occasions, and though there are not any registration charges this yr, you need to RSVP on the web site forward of time.

Sitka Music Pageant: Sitka, June 3-26

Are you a fan of chamber music and classical performances? There are already 18 concert events scheduled for the Sitka Music Pageant’s 51st season this yr. Take a look at their web site for tickets and extra data.

Society of Inventive Anachronism Knights “Sir Cyrus Aurelius” David Wilson, left, and “Sir Soren j Alborgh” Leon Ayers II, proper, battle in entrance of a crowd gathered on the 3 Barons Renaissance Truthful at Tozier Observe in 2015. (Invoice Roth / ADN)

3 Barons Renaissance Truthful: Anchorage, June 4-5 and 11-12

The three Barons Renaissance Truthful will likely be in Anchorage for 2 weekends this yr, with loads of crafts, actions, contests, meals, and way more. Common admission tickets are $10.

Colony Days: Palmer, June 10-12

Colony Days is Palmer’s summer season celebration for the entire household. There will likely be races and contests, carnivals, farmers markets and far way more. Take a look at their web site to your alternative to win prizes in cornhole, or maybe by baking with rhubarb.

Chickenstock: Hen, June 10-11 (Offered out)

Woodstock is out, Chickenstock is in! The sixteenth annual Chickenstock Music Pageant will characteristic Alaskan artists, native meals and craft brews, video games, crafts and many extra to fill the weekend. Go forward and see how issues are finished in Hen, Alaska.

Kenai River Pageant: Soldotna, June 10-12

Soldotna Creek Park will likely be house to cubicles, crafts, swag, and dwell music all weekend. Take a look at the Children’ Zone, browse the Alaska Artisan Market, graze from meals distributors and extra.

Final Frontier Theatre Convention: Valdez, June 11-18

Theater youngsters, unite: Prince William Sound School is internet hosting the annual Final Frontier Theatre Convention in Valdez. Applications embody the Fringe Pageant and the Monologue Workshop. Register on their web site now.

Alaska Celtic Pipe and Drums performs in the course of the 2021 Bear Paw Pageant parade in Eagle River. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Bear Paw Pageant: Chugiak-Eagle River, June 13-17

The Bear Paw competition is a good way for the Chugiak and Eagle River group to come back collectively and rejoice summer season. The seller courtroom is full, so there’ll loads of meals and merchandise to browse, and there will likely be carnival rides Thursday by Sunday. There may be additionally a raffle to win two Alaska Airways tickets.

Seldovia Summer season Solstice Music Pageant: Seldovia, June 16-19

The Seldovia Music Pageant may have artist workshops, buskers, open mics, bonfire jams and extra. It’s a celebration of Alaska summer season, the countless days of solstice and the great thing about Kachemak Bay.

Moose Move Summer season Solstice Pageant: Moose Move, June 17-19

Moose Move may have distributors, music, artwork, meals, and enjoyable for summer season solstice. Have a good time the daylight in Moose Move.

Sunset Solstice Pageant: Anchorage, June 17-19

Williwaw Social is internet hosting an enormous music competition for the summer season solstice this yr. The outside stage at Sixth Avenue and F Road will likely be house to concert events, meals distributors and all-around enjoyable for 3 days straight. There will likely be an under-21 part inside full view of the stage, in addition to a 21-and-over moist part. The competition contains reveals by rapper A$AP Ferg, digital duo Hippie Sabotage and native artists like Frozen Founders and Bethlehem Shalom. Tickets begin at $79.

Midnight Solar Pageant: Fairbanks, June 18

Fairbanks is aware of the best way to rejoice solstice proper. There will likely be 12 hours of leisure for the hundreds of people that pack downtown Fairbanks to benefit from the longest day of the yr. Head north for dwell music, video games and distributors galore.

Nariah Morgan, 9, and Janya Evans, 14, carry out a dance with Sankofa Dance Theater at a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 13, 2020 on the Northway Mall in Anchorage. Juneteenth celebrates the ending of slavery in america. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Juneteenth: Anchorage, June 19

Juneteenth, or June 19, is a commemoration of the tip of slavery in america. Juneteenth will likely be acknowledged in Anchorage throughout a gathering on the Delaney Park Strip, with adjoining occasions taking place across the metropolis.

Scottish Highland Video games: Palmer, June 25-26

The Alaska Scottish Highland Video games are a celebration of Scottish heritage and traditions. Cease by the Alaska State Fairgrounds to compete within the video games or to spectate. There will even be conventional music and naturally, meals. Discounted advance tickets can be found now.

Forest Truthful: Girdwood, July 1-3

The annual Forest Truthful in Girdwood is all about native artwork and artists, hand-crafted and home made items, and the gathering of the group of Girdwood. Parking is proscribed, so automotive pooling is inspired, and there will likely be a shuttle. There isn’t any admission payment, no canines, no politics and no spiritual orders. Public tenting is prohibited in the course of the Forest Truthful.

Racers make their technique to the highest of the mountain in the course of the Mount Marathon Ladies’s Race on July 7, 2021 in Seward. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Fourth of July and Mount Marathon: Seward, July 1-4

There won’t be a greater Alaska summer season duo than the city of Seward and the Fourth of July. Seward will likely be filled with excessive spirits, competition cubicles, fireworks and barely out-of-their-mind athletes on the weekend of the Fourth. Mount Marathon, the annual footrace up and again down the steep and rocky slopes, will likely be going down on Monday, July 4.

Fourth of July Celebration and Parade: Anchorage, July 4

Admittedly, the drive to Seward can turn into a bit of irritating for the Fourth, with visitors flooding the freeway. For these with out at the very least six hours of audiobooks downloaded, Anchorage is comfortable to rejoice with you. The Fourth of July Parade begins downtown at 10 a.m. After the parade, there will likely be a competition on the Delaney Park Strip lasting till 10 p.m., with rides, video games, meals and enjoyable.

Fairbanks Summer season Arts Pageant: Fairbanks, July 3-31

All through the month of July, there will likely be over 200 workshops and occasions in Fairbanks for the Summer season Arts Pageant. Registration is now open.

Copper River Salmon Jam: Cordova, July 15-16

The Copper River Salmon Jam may have music elevating cash for the humanities in Cordova, Salmon Runs to get you shifting, youngsters actions, and naturally, salmon cooked each which method. Take a look at the Salmon Jam to assist the group in Cordova in whichever method most closely fits you.

Golden Days: Fairbanks, July 23

The celebration of the founding of Fairbanks dates again to 1952 and touts occasions for all ages. Included within the 2022 version is the most important parade in Alaska, a avenue truthful and a rubber ducky race alongside the Chena River.

Again to Bluegrass Pageant: McGrath, July 23-24

This annual competition helps KSKO, the native radio station. This yr’s competition options Nothin’ However Bother, Todd Grebe and Chilly Nation plus Wave Practice that includes Jim and Mary Odden.

Southeast Alaska State Truthful: Haines, July 28-31

The Truthful has a great deal of showcases, contests and competitions, from horseshoes to a parade and a wearable artwork evaluate. Leisure choices embody Skagway band New Twin and magical entertainer Andrew Nadon, who additionally hails from Skagway. Blackwater Railroad Firm and the Lack Household additionally present musical choices on the truthful.

Ozomatli, a Latin-influenced dance band, performed late into the evening in the course of the second day of Salmonstock (now referred to as Salmonfest) in 2014. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Salmonfest: Ninilchik, Aug. 5-7

Headliners embody Umphrey’s McGee, Shakey Graves and Rising Appalachia. Salmonfest is a three-day annual music competition held in Ninilchik, centered round fish, love, and music. There will likely be concert events, a smoked salmon tremendous bowl, actions and video games for the entire household. Tickets begin at $85, and there will likely be free shuttle between close by campgrounds and the competition grounds.

Alaska Soulfest: Kenai, Aug. 12-14

The Alaska Soulfest will likely be a full moon celebration, with yoga, music, distributors and cubicles. There will likely be regionally sourced meals, sound baths, hemp demonstrations and extra. Early fowl tickets begin at $75.

Alaska State Truthful: Palmer, Aug. 19-Sept. 5

The Alaska State Truthful is an annual custom that includes concert events, rides, video games, distributors and meals. Featured artists embody Caamp, Chris Janson, Toby Mac, Rise Towards, Barenaked Girls and extra. There will even be contests and reveals in artwork, pictures, crafts, crops, flowers and livestock. Tickets obtainable now.

Members share mushrooms that they discovered throughout a foray for teenagers in Girdwood on Sept. 3, 2021. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Fungus Truthful: Girdwood, Sept. 3-4

The fifteenth annual Girdwood Fungus Truthful will likely be again this yr with alternatives for training and appreciation of Alaska’s fungi and forests. Extra data obtainable in July.

Fungus Pageant: Cordova, Sept. 11th of September

Cordova’s sixteenth annual Fungus Pageant will likely be all about foraging and discovering the hidden treasures of the earth. There will likely be instructional alternatives, workshops, youngsters actions, and extra. Extra data obtainable nearer to the occasion.

Seward Music and Arts Pageant: Seward, TBA

The Seward Music and Arts Pageant is a downtown competition and celebration of the music and humanities group in Alaska. It’s additionally one of the simplest ways to wrap up a contented summer season of group and festivals. Test the web site for updates.

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Alaska

101-year-old woman shares her birthday reflections with Alaska’s News Source

Published

4 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

101-year-old woman shares her birthday reflections with Alaska’s News Source

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Norma Aldefer didn’t expect to turn 100. Now, one day after her 101st birthday, she’s even more surprised.

Inside her pristine apartment, Aldefer’s table is full of cards wishing her a happy birthday. She points out a favorite, which reads “You’re how old?”

Celebratory messages from loved ones, along with congratulations from state officials Senator Lisa Murkowski and Governor Mike Dunleavy. Aldefer said last year’s centennial birthday even brought in regards from President Joe Biden.

Aldefer moved to Alaska to marry her husband, who was originally from her hometown. The photograph she has at her side is of her as a younger woman posing with her mother in 1948.

Norma and her parents pose “all dressed up” for family photos.(Olivia Nordyke)

“We took pictures of ourselves and and I’m all dressed up in high heels and a hat and a purse. And my little bag that I was carrying.” Aldefer said she was scared leaving the small farm she grew up on, but by working as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell, she expanded her horizons.

Multiple times Aldefer stated she’s remained curious all her years. She said it’s the reason she’s been able to maintain herself rather than losing her faculties, and believes it’s the way to feel fulfilled.

“Sometimes people get into things they don’t enjoy, but they think, ‘Oh, I have to make a living.’ Don’t do that. If you’re not comfortable, go do something else,” Aldefer said.

“May not make a good living for a while, but you might enjoy life.”

Aldefer says she still enjoys life, and continues to enjoy a nightly martini alongside cheese and crackers before she begins to cook dinner.

Over the course of the interview, she marveled at her gratitude for her world – calling herself blessed.

“I know I’m not going to be here much probably much longer, but I’ve had such a good life, you know. I’m not afraid of it.”

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

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Alaska

Moderate earthquake strikes south-central Alaska

Published

12 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

Moderate earthquake strikes south-central Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A moderate earthquake occurred in south-central Alaska Sunday afternoon, striking at 2:42 p.m.

Its epicenter was located about 24 miles due east of Anchorage with a depth of 18 miles.

No damage or injuries were reported.

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

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Alaska

OPINION: CDQ program and pollock fishery are essential to Western Alaska

Published

20 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Press Room

OPINION: CDQ program and pollock fishery are essential to Western Alaska

By Eric Deakin, Ragnar Alstrom and Michael Link

Updated: 1 hour ago Published: 1 hour ago

Alaska pollock slide into a holding tank aboard the Northern Hawk factory trawler on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 in the Bering Sea. Each haul of the net can be more than 100 metric tons of fish. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

We work every day to support Alaska’s rural communities through the Community Development Quota (CDQ) program and have seen firsthand the lifeline the program provides to our state’s most isolated and economically vulnerable areas.

This program is one of the most successful social justice programs in the United States, giving rural, coastal communities a stake in the success of the Bering Sea fisheries, and transferring these benefits into community investments. Our fisheries participation provides $80 million to $100 million of programs, wages and benefits into Western Alaska annually, and the full economic reach of the CDQ program is substantially larger when accounting for jobs and support services statewide.

In some communities, CDQs are the largest and only private-sector employer; the only market for small-boat fishermen; the only nonfederal funding available for critical infrastructure projects; and an essential program provider for local subsistence and commercial fishing access. There is no replacement for the CDQ program, and harm to it would come at a severe cost. As one resident framed it, CDQ is to Western Alaska communities, what oil is to Alaska.

Consistent with their statutory mandate, CDQ groups have increased their fisheries investments, and their 65 member communities are now major players in the Bering Sea. The foundation of the program is the Bering Sea pollock fishery, 30% of which is owned by CDQ groups. We invest in pollock because it remains one of the most sustainably managed fisheries in the world, backed by rigorous science, with independent observers on every vessel, ensuring that bycatch is carefully monitored and minimized.

We also invest in pollock because the industry is committed to constantly improving and responding to new challenges. We understand the impact that salmon collapses are having on culture and food security in Western Alaska communities. Working with industry partners, we have reduced chinook bycatch to historically low levels and achieved more than an 80% reduction in chum bycatch over the past three years. This is a clear demonstration that CDQ groups and industry are taking the dire salmon situation seriously, despite science that shows bycatch reductions will have very minimal, if any, positive impact on subsistence access.

The effects of recent warm summers on the Bering Sea ecosystem have been well documented by science. This has caused some species to prosper, like sablefish and Bristol Bay sockeye salmon, while others have been negatively impacted, including several species of crab and salmon. Adding to these challenges is the unregulated and growing hatchery production of chum salmon in Russia and Asia, which is competing for limited resources in the Bering Sea, and increasing management challenges.

Attributing the current salmon crises to this fishery is misguided and could cause unnecessary harm to CDQ communities. Without the pollock fishery, we would see dramatic increases in the cost of food, fuel and other goods that are shipped to rural Alaska. We would also see the collapse of the CDQ program and all that it provides, including a wide array of projects and jobs that help keep families fed and children in school.

The challenges Alaska faces are significant, and to address them we need to collectively work together to mitigate the impacts of warming oceans on our fisheries, build resiliency in our communities and fishery management, and continue to improve practices to minimize fishing impacts. We must also recognize the vital need for the types of community investments and job opportunities that the CDQ program creates for Western Alaska and ensure these benefits are considered when talking about the Bering Sea pollock fishery.

Eric Deakin is chief executive officer of the Coastal Villages Region Fund.

Ragnar Alstrom is executive director of the Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association.

Michael Link is president and CEO of Bristol Bay Economic Development Corp.

The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here.

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