Alaska Inaugural Gala

It was an evening of rainforest revelry, a night of wool and sequins, chiffon and XtraTufs.  It was the long-awaited Alaska Inaugural Gala - and boy, was it a sight!

Downtown Juneau's Centennial Hall was a packed house on January 10, and it felt like half of Juneau turned out for the festivities.  And Juneau has never looked so good.  The town rolled out her red carpet for our new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and their families - and the community danced the night away!

Check out my video below of the first few minutes of the Gala - complete with a rousing intro by the Yees Ku Oo' dancers of Juneau and some wonderful words from Governor Bill Walker.  At the 7:45 minute mark, you'll see Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott (of Tlingit heritage) join the group on the dance floor - a symbolic moment showing pride in his Native culture and solidarity with the Juneau community. 

Hats off to our new leadership team!

The Decor and the Music

Selfies with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Governor Walker's First Open House

The new Walker-Mallott administration welcomed thousands of Juneauites at the Governor's House this afternoon.  It was a typical rainy Juneau day, with the early night sky brightened by colorful holiday lights and cheerful smiles all around.

Not only was this the first Holiday Open House for the Walkers, but this year's event marked the 100th open house for Alaska.  Today also marks my fifth holiday visit to the Governor's Mansion, but who's counting! 

It was terrific meeting Governor Bill Walker, the First Lady Donna Walker, Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott, and his lovely wife, Toni.  They all seem like wonderful people, and I know Juneau is thrilled to have them as neighbors.  The Mallotts are long-time Juneau residents, but it goes without saying a hearty and heartful Juneau welcome is in order for this new leadership team.  Welcome, y'all!

The line was long, but fast moving.

In case you don't know where you are, here's a sign.

Meeting Governor Bill Walker and the First Lady, Donna Walker.  Such lovely people.

Picture Perfect.  From left to right: Toni Mallott, Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott, me, Governor Bill Walker, and First Lady Donna Walker.

The spread of cookies and fudge in the main dining room.

Big tree for a big state.

Flashbacks from years past: 2013's A Terrific Juneau Tradition and 2012's At the Guvnah's House.

First Friday with Kindred Post

Juneau's First Friday in December is kind of a big deal.  Not only is it the biggest and most attended of all the First Friday Gallery Walks, but it's a time to stroll downtown with thousands of other Juneauites, reveling in the colorful storefronts, yummy treats, and festive cheer.

A new kid of the block is Kindred Post - a little spot that's quite possibly becoming one of my favorite places in Juneau.  Fellow blogger Emily in Alaska recently termed Kindred Post the Best Post Office Ever, and I'd have to agree.

A Smörgåsbord of goodies. 

Kindred Post proprietor Christy Namee Eriksen debuted the latest installment of Growing Upwords prints. This deeper-than-deep quote is from her five year old son.  Nothing like a stark reminder from a kiddo about the needlessness of worrying.

Eye candy, ear candy.

Decadent concoctions from Sentinel Coffee.

For someone who's obsessed with coy and cunning stationary, it was all I could do to not walk away with a fleet of these cards.

Time for a selfie with Conor/Grumpy Cat and Christy. These two, some of the BEST conversationalists I've ever met.

Way to go, Christy, on an amazing community space, full of fun finds, terrific conversations, and the celebration of all things LOCAL.

 

Flashback: December 2012 First Friday Gallery Walk

The Market of All Markets

The Lower 48 has her Black Friday.  Juneau has her Public Market.

In what's considered the biggest shopping and community event of the year, the Juneau Public Market is the premier Christmas gifts and crafts show, starting on Black Friday and lasting throughout the post-Thanksgiving weekend.  Each year, there are more than 150 vendors from across the state and the northwest coast, greeting eager Juneauites who plan their weekend around this holiday seasonal tradition.

Though the Market seems to get bigger and bigger each year, the array of top vendors and unique crafts is consistent year after year.  Here's a flashback to my visit to the Market two years ago, and while you're at it, check out the highlights from this year's big event. 

Adam Dimmitt of Eight Zero Tech constructs these steel wine racks right here in Juneau.  I want one!  (But who can keep wine in their house long enough?)

Can you imagine a classier housewarming present or wedding gift?  Check out Adam's Bent Metal on Facebook.

Ran into famed Alaskan artist, Bruce Nelson, of Kodiak.  Check out his exquisite Alaska-themed art at Original Art by Bruce W. Nelson.

These aren't photographs of beach scenes; they're paintings by Bruce W. Nelson.  Impressive, eh?

Fresh from Sitka, Gimbal Botanicals featured these goodies from the sea.

Can you IMAGINE this stuff lining a margarita glass or tossed in some buttered popcorn?  Get your own at Alaska Pure Sea Salt Co. in Sitka.

Because let's get real.  Ice cream just tastes better outta one of these Chilkat Cove Cones.

Because nothing says, "This is the real deal" quite like a sign stating, "I hunt the sea otters I sew with."  Boom.  There you have it, folks.

My heavens!  I've died and gone to a place where Krispy Kreme is plentiful and discounted to $10/dozen.