Fourth of July, Juneau-Style

Rain doesn't deter Juneauites from outdoor celebrations, and it certainly didn't deter me from getting my Momma out and about for her first Fourth of July in the Last Frontier.  Because of late-night brightness in the Alaska sky, official fireworks traditionally start at 11:59pm on July 3, a big change for my Mom who's visiting from Alabama.  Having her by my side to watch the brilliant fireworks light up the Juneau 'skyline' was an awesome kick off to the Fourth of July weekend.

Downtown Juneau's parade is one of my favorite summer events, and I think the cruise ship passengers who happen to be docked in Juneau on the fourth are oh-so-lucky.  What better way to see a slice of southeast Alaska! 

Want to see how the celebration changes from year to year?  Check out my blog post from 2013 for more photos and videos.

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.

Juneau's Fourth of July Festivities

The Fourth of July in Juneau is a BIG DEAL.  There are so many events taking place throughout the community that it's difficult to choose how to maximize your time.  I opted to start my morning with a pancake feed hosted by the downtown fire department, then I strolled over to Egan Drive for my first time watching the Juneau parade. 

In years past, I've only gone to the parade near my home on Douglas Island, so the downtown Juneau parade was a real treat.  I wrapped up the morning with a hot dog fest at my church, Resurrection Lutheran.  After traffic subsided, I mosied back over to the island for the Douglas parade, a real slice of small-town Alaska.

The Fire Department's Pancake Feed was terrific, with 50% of proceeds benefiting the families of the fallen firefighters from Prescott, Arizona.

The sun and blue skies finally peeked through the clouds.  Such a blessing there was no rain on the parade!

The hot dog fest at my church was very well attended.  It was a nice tribute to one of the church's members, Bill Johnson, who passed away recently.   

With Pastor Sue.  She's a gem! 

Fourth of July, Small-Town Alaska Style

There's a whole slew of Fourth of July events in Juneau each year.  But none are as unique and Alaskan as the parade on Douglas Island.  Check out my photos, and don't miss the video below - the kiddo's expression at minute 2:18 is PRICELESS!

To get to the parade on Douglas Island, one must first drive across the Juneau-Douglas bridge.  OR you can run across it, like these fellas. 

With Parade Grand Marshal, Jeff Brown.  He's a legend!

The view toward "downtown" Douglas.

Cozying up to my friend, Kathy, who's wearing the beautiful kuspuk my mother made especially for her.  She looks amazing!

Photo of me strolling after the parade, courtesy of my good friend, Kerry Howard. 

Steaks before the hot grill.  Yummo!

I was craving The South - so I made an apple crumb cobbler.  And by "made," I mean I opened a cardboard box and popped this in the oven.  It was awesome. 

A deliciously sweet ending to a tremendously awesome day, celebrating our nation's independence.  MERICA!