JUNEAU -- Alaska's capital city will host its first Juneau Maritime Festival on May 22.

The nonprofit Juneau Economic Development Council is organizing the free event celebrating the city's connection to the sea.

Jessalynn Rintala of the council said the idea is long overdue and hopes it becomes an annual event drawing locals from Southeast Alaska, tourists and businesses.

Activities planned for the downtown waterfront include tours of Coast Guard and commercial fishing vessels, a timed contest for putting on survival suits, boat rides, a weather balloon exhibit by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a live touch tank, seafood vendors and a beer garden.