Alaska Life

What to do in Southcentral Alaska for Independence Day

Ready to celebrate the Fourth of July? Know what you're celebrating?

It's the day the Declaration of Independence was published in 1776. The first public reading came four days later; the document was signed by delegates on Aug. 2. Nevertheless, it didn't become a paid holiday for federal employees until 1941.

Here are a few idea of ways to celebrate in Southcentral Alaska.

July 4

Parade and Declaration of Independence reading includes a celebration at Delaney Park Strip. Get started with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Get back to the holiday's roots with the 1 p.m. reading of Declaration of Independence. Other activities continue until 6 p.m.

Chugiak Community Parade hosted by the Chugiak Area Business Association begins at 2 p.m. at the Latimer Fire Station on the Old Glenn Highway.

• At the Alaska Zoo, it's Ptarmigan Ptime for kids ages 6 -10. Learn about the adaptations that make the Ptarmigan our ideal state bird. Starting at 9 a.m.

• Seward's Mount Marathon race attracts thousands of spectators. The 3.5-mile route goes from downtown to the top of Mount Marathon and back. Juniors race at 9:30 a.m., women's race at 11:15 a.m., men at 3 p.m.

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• In Homer, a parade at 6 p.m., and more activities throughout the day.

Heading out fishing? Here's the skinny on where to go.

The Anchorage Police Department reminded residents that fireworks are banned in the municipality and they plan to enforce the ban, which can cost violators a $300 fine.

Celebrate hearty, celebrate safely. Unfortunately, it's back to work Thursday for those of us who weren't smart enough to take the long weekend.

Luckily, come Friday the celebrations begin again with the 37th annual Girdwood Forest Fair. The Forest Fair lasts all weekend, with a parade Saturday at 10 a.m.

Contact Laurel Andrews at laurel(at)alaskadispatch.com

Laurel Andrews

Laurel Andrews was a reporter for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch News and Alaska Dispatch. She left the ADN in October 2018.

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