Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

This year's Fourth of July festivities will include a mixture of old traditions and new variations.

However, the hot, dry weather – and fire risk – has forced cancellation of the annual fireworks show.

Chamber of Commerce director Andrew Letchworth said the weekend's theme is "Back Together Again," which refers to both the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictive measures and a broader goal of "highlight(ing) unity in the midst of differences."

He said he envisions the weekend as a time for everyone to "celebrate the good" and "be thankful for being Americans."

Not that everyone at the celebration will be American. Letchworth said this is the first Independence Day since 2019 that tourists from the Yukon Territory can join in the merrymaking. The chamber aims to capitalize on this expected visitor influx by extending activities throughout the weekend.

On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Haines Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual barbecue. Slow-cooked, Texas-style brisket will be served for $20 per adult and $15 per child (cash or check only).

Later in the afternoon, sated barbecue-goers – and everyone else – can head to the Valley of the Eagles Golf Links for a Red, White and Blue Golf Tournament from 2 to 6 p.m. The competition, which is resuming this year for the first time since the pandemic began, will be a scramble with a shotgun start. Entry is $25.

Teams of three to four players can register together (though each group can include only one A player), or individuals can sign up and allow the golf club to put them on teams. For more information, call 907-766-2401 or just show up.

On Sunday, those hungry for more pork can congregate at 33 Mile Roadhouse and Café around 6 p.m. for a pig roast and (weather-dependent) fireworks show.

All the rest of the activities will be held on the Fourth itself, beginning with raising the flag at Fort Seward (7 a.m.) and the annual breakfast at the American Legion Hall from 7 to 10 a.m. The price is $15 for adults and teens and $7 for kids 6 to 10 years old; under 5 are free.

This year for the first time, the Mount Ripinsky run will not take place because part of the route is no longer open to the public, according to Haines Huts board vice chair Kevin Forster.

However, Haines Huts has devised a new course, the nine-mile Harbor to Harbor Mountain Run, which will begin at Letnikov Harbor, crest Mount Riley, and finish at the Small Boat Harbor. For $20, runners can register either ahead of time or on the day of the race, from 7 to 7:45 a.m at the Small Boat Harbor. A shuttle will leave from the American Legion Hall at 8 a.m. to take participants and spectators to Letnikov Harbor for the start of the race at 9 a.m.

At 10 a.m. Monday, the parade line will begin at Thor's Fitness. Thanks to donations from the Legion and HARK, kids can also decorate their bikes – and pet owners can dress up their dogs – starting at 10 a.m. in the Thor's Fitness parking lot.

The parade itself will begin at 11 a.m. with the cannon firing at Fort Seward. Masters of ceremony Dan Jones and Greg Podsiki will oversee the event, and prizes will be awarded for best float ($75), funniest entry ($25), best dance/musical ($25), best-decorated bike ($25), best-looking dog, and most unique dog (puppy gift bag).

From noon to 2:30 p.m., the day-long celebration will continue with various recreational offerings in Tlingit Park. Activities will include the Blessing of Longhouse, a performance by the Chilkat Dancers, volleyball, a tug-of-war, a fire department hose battle for children, and kids' races sponsored by the First National Bank Alaska.

Live music will be performed by The Extended Play, and food for sale will be plentiful and varied (library hot dog barbeque, women's club bake sale, Legion's watermelon feed).

The Unofficial Mad Raft Race will begin in Chilkoot State Park at 4 p.m. Competitors can meet in the parking lot and must come equipped with helmets, life vests and homemade rafts.

Abbey Collins

The Chilkat Dancers make their way down Main Street during the Fourth of July parade.

For a different kind of thrill, bingo enthusiasts can meet at the ANB hall from 6 to 8 p.m. for a Super Bingo game, which is new this year.

The day will conclude with a lawn party at the Fort Seward Parade Grounds (BYO picnic). The Bloomer Blast is scheduled for 9 p.m., but the chamber has canceled the fireworks show, citing an increased risk of fire spread. "It's too hot, too dry, and too windy," Letchworth said. The show, which cost the borough $2,300, will be postponed either to the weekend of the fair or New Year's Eve, Letchworth told the assembly on June 28.

Mayor Doug Olerud also said the U.S. Forest Service has assigned extra firefighters to Haines for the holiday weekend due to the increased risk.