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.

NBC's The Today Show, From All Angles

Before the crack of dawn on an unseasonably dry July morning, over fifteen hundred Juneauites visited the Mendenhall Glacier for the chance to appear on national television.  NBC’s The TODAY Show – in their first LIVE broadcast from Alaska – featured a cadre of tourism highlights during their filming in Alaska’s Capital City.

What started with Roll Tide hecklers progressed with a little girl and her penguin making their way through the crowd.  The behind-the-scenes action didn't stop there.  Our obligatory selfie happened not once, twice, but three times with the ever-gracious AND gorgeous Natalie Morales.  The rain held off, daylight peaked, and the morning’s festivities wrapped up with NBC’s anchor-extraordinaire petting our fur hats and playing a guessing game of “What kind of fur is it?”  (Note: Mom and I were wearing fur seal and fox fur hats, respectively.  Natalie guessed, "Bear??") 

For more behind-the-scenes highlights, check out my Vimeo video (below) and TODAY Takes Off.

The Crowd and the Signs

The Lady in Yellow

But First, Lemme Take a #Selfie

Dressing the Part with Cozy Kuspuks and Fur Hats

Here's a big shout out to the ever-talented Karena Perry of KM Perry Photos for taking these shots of me and my Momma.  Mom is wearing a traditional kuspuk made by Nita Y. Rearden, and I am wearing my favorite kuspuk made by my Mom in 2013. 

Orca Observations

It hasn't even been one month yet, but lucky Juneauites were treated today to another good long glimpse of a pod of orcas swimming down the Gastineau Channel.  Their distinctive black-and-white coloring makes them easy to spot, even on a sunny day with rough water.  

Check out this video I shot with my iPhone.  The quality isn't the best, but it goes to show there's adventure around every corner in Juneau.

Did you know orcas are in the dolphin family and can travel fast - up to 30 mph?  Check out this National Geographic profile to learn more about this immediately recognizable species.

Juneau's Got Talent!

I'm ever amazed at the incredible talent in this town!  Last month was "Showtime 2014" - a very special event featuring the Juneau-Douglas High School Dance Team.  This team was a semi-finalist at the 2014 National Dance Team Championship, and their award-winning routines wowed the crowd and kept the town buzzing.  I just love their Alaska-themed outfits, too.  Nothing cheers "Alaska!" like blue, white, and silver with fuzzy boots and snowball pompoms.  We arrived two hours early to get a good seat, and by showtime, the gymnasium was packed.  Enjoy the dazzling show!