A Terrific Juneau Tradition

I love traditions, especially this time of year.  Big tinseled trees, bright lights, holiday cookies, and warm smiles - I can't get enough of the festivities of Christmas.

Since I'm relatively "new" to Alaska (compared to some of my Sourdough friends), I'm still discovering Alaska-styled holiday traditions.  One of my favorites so far has been getting a personal Christmas greeting from the Governor and First Lady during their annual Governor's Open House.  2013 marked my fourth year, and I have to say - I'm really enjoying this highlight on my calendar each December. 

The beauty of traditions is they can morph, but still largely stay the same.  As you can see from last year's photos, gingerbread houses and a warm and welcoming atmosphere are the norm for this annual Juneau tradition.  And I'm already looking forward to next year!

The Governor's House in downtown Juneau, Alaska.

From left to right: Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell, First Lady Sandy Parnell, Governor Sean Parnell, and me.

Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention

The Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention, or AFN for short, is the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of any Native peoples.  Each year, AFN draws between 4,000 – 5,000 attendees, and this year’s host was chilly Fairbanks. 

A highlight of AFN each year is the Quyana Alaska evening dance performances.  Quyana (ku-'ya-na) is a central Yu’pik word for “thank you.”  And these dance groups deserve a big thank you, indeed.  

What's special about these outstanding performances is they are culturally significant.  One of my favorites this year was the Suurimmaanitchuat dancers from Chevak.  Their powerful drums and expert choreography get my pulse going every time.  This talented group also performed during President Obama’s inauguration.  Needless to say, I was thrilled and honored to join the group when they invited audience members to the stage.  My rhythm certainly didn’t match theirs, but that was part of the fun – learning, observing, interacting – and being warmly welcomed with open arms.

Check out my video of Quyana highlights below.  You can also click on the photo thumbnails to see the full size photos.  Enjoy!

Sleepless in Seattle

One of the awesome things about living in Juneau is the proximity to major cities like Seattle.  Since Washington State is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Juneau (read: 2 hour plane ride), I decided to make the most of my summer vacation and traveled to explore the Emerald City and much of the northern Washington coast.

Highlights from the Seattle leg of my trip were third row seats at a Seattle Mariners baseball game, perfect weather for Seafair Weekend, and of course the visual potpourri at the Pike Place Market.

Funny thing about Seattle is that despite the city being notorious for its gloomy rainy weather, I was blessed with blue skies and sunshine the entire trip. 

It was also the perfect weekend to check out Seafair and soak up the sun and sights along the Puget Sound.  The airshow, hydroplane racing, and Budweiser Clydesdales were so awesome to see first-hand.  

A visit to the Pike Place Market never disappoints.  I can't get enough of the hustle and bustle action, the fish tossing, and all the scrumptious treats.  The best part of my visit to the Market was feasting on the "Oh My God" peaches that were so amazing I literally had peach juice dripping down my hands and arms.  Messy, but oh so delicious.  And of course I had to visit the Market a second time - right before heading back to the airport - so I could bring back yummy fruit to friends in Juneau.  With the exorbitant price and lack of freshness of produce in Alaska, fruits and veggies from Washington State make excellent gifts to Alaskans and are met with open arms and big smiles.

Though sad to leave Seattle, I was blessed to have a great seat and awesome service as traveling back to Southeast Alaska on Alaska Airlines.  And best of all, the sun shone on my face as we landed in Juneau - a welcome change from the usual rainforest climate.

The Pit Has Been Fixed!

In downtown Juneau in 2004, a massive fire led to the total destruction of the old C.W. Young Building on Front and Seward Streets, resulting in a gaping hole in prime real estate, which Juneauites began identifying as "The Pit."  This eyesore lasted for over five years. 

The "Fix the Pit" effort, initially sponsored by participants of the 2010 Leadership Juneau Program, sought to facilitate a positive resolution to the downtown eyesore.  After public testimony, community outreach, and much involvement and support from a variety of stakeholders, the Pit once again made front page news: the Sealaska Corporation announced on June 18, 2010, their purchase of "The Pit." 

Work soon began on filling the deep expansive hole, and leveled areas were beautifully landscaped.  For the past few years, the location has become a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

It's exciting for Juneau that this great space keeps getting better!  The first phase of construction is soon to begin on the Walter Soboleff Center.  The Sealaska Heritage Center will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, August 1 at 12pm at the building site on Front and Seward Streets across from Sealaska Plaza. 

Enjoy the nostalgic photos below, and hope to see you at the groundbreaking this Thursday!

Photos of "The Pit" from March 2010:

Photos of "The Pit" from August 2010:

 

Photos of "The Pit" from July 2013.  This is the future site of the Walter Soboleff Center: