The Legislature unanimously passed, and the governor signed into law earlier this year, a measure designating the fourth Saturday of every July as Ted Stevens Day. The original bill would have set aside his birthday in November but his family asked he be honored in the summer instead because that's when he was traditionally back home, outdoors, fishing or showing visitors around Alaska.
Events are planned around the state today, including a community walk in Girdwood, picnics and concerts.
Stevens served 40 years in the U.S. Senate. He died last August in a plane crash near Dillingham.
Here are a few of today's events, according to a Tim McKeever, a family spokesman and former Stevens aide:
-- In Anchorage, Stevens will be remembered at the Governor's Picnic on the Park Strip downtown. Games, ice cream and commemorative pins will be distributed from noon to 3 p.m.
-- In Juneau, a family picnic will be held at Sandy Beach from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-- On the Kenai Peninsula, a "Ted Stevens Concert in the Park" will be held at the Soldotna Creek Park from noon to 10 p.m. Hobo Jim and Troubadour North are expected to perform.
-- In Fairbanks, a "Jazz on the River" event will be held at the Doyon Corp. headquarters overlooking the Chena River, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Reporter Kyle Hopkins contributed to this report. Contact him at khopkins@adn.com.
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