The state holiday celebrates the signing of the Russian Empire’s deed to the United States of America in 1867. Of course, Alaska Natives had lived here for an estimated 15,000 years before any Westerner set foot in the state.
On June 28th, National Alaska Day honours the nation’s last frontier and the largest state to join the union. Alaska is not only the country’s largest state, but it also has the tallest mountain peaks, including Mt. Denali.
It’s possible to put the theories about the Bering Land Bridge to the test in The Last Frontier. Explore a remote and fascinating part of North American history.
Long before Russian and European explorers discovered the Arctic land, Alaska was populated by Inuit, Yupik, Tlingit, and others. Alaska provided enough whale fat, beaver, and fish to the indigenous people.
The Alaska Day Festival was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization with the purpose of continuing the annual celebration of Alaska’s American birthday on October 18th.
Millions of Alaskans celebrate their ancestry, culture, and customs, which are a mix of immigrants from all over the world and Native American tribes who had lived in the state for hundreds of years before the first European settlers arrived.
Costume Ball
The Alaska Day Ball in Sitka invites attendees to dress in native regalia, nineteenth-century-styled clothing, or semi-formal attire. A period costume promenade and native regalia exhibition are part of the ball’s festivities, with awards and prizes given to the best outfit in a variety of categories.
Cultural Performances
A variety of music and dance performances highlight the unique cultural legacy of the Alaskan region. Folk dancing from both native and Russian traditions is usually performed with local musicians and dance ensembles to celebrate Alaska day.
Parade
In Sitka, Alaska Day is commemorated with a three-day festival that includes a costume ball, races, dances, concerts, and an army band, an army demonstration, a proclamation by the mayor, and tea at the Pioneer’s Home.
A re-enactment of the flag-raising event that took place when the area was transferred in 1867, as well as a memorial service and parade through the city with the military forces and marching bands, are all part of the festivities.
Sporting Events
During the Alaska Day festival in Sitka, many competitive sporting events are held. There are races for runners, kayakers, and bicyclists, as well as a croquet tournament.
Participants come from all over Alaska to compete in the yearly biathlon.
Transfer Ceremony Re-enactment
Following the Alaska Day parade, a ceremony commemorating the handover of Alaska from Russia to the United States is held. The re-enactment is held on Castle Hill in Sitka, where the actual transfer took place.
As the Russian flag is lowered, military troops gather to shoot a salute. As the American flag is raised, a second salute is fired.
The original transfer proclamations are read at the end of the ceremony.
Visit Alaska
Plan a vacation to experience the attractions of this Arctic state if you have the time. Visit Denali National Park and Preserve, which contains glaciers, fossil records, and geology research.
Take a trip to Glacier Bay, where you can see a tint of blue that you won’t find anyplace else on the planet. You’re in luck if you enjoy the outdoors.
Humpback whales can be seen in the bay, lumbering brown bears can be seen in the forests, and bald eagles can be seen flying overhead in Alaska. Investigate travel websites for suggestions on when to go and start organizing your trip! This can be the best way to celebrate Alaska day.
Watch a Feature
Celebrate the Alaska day by gathering the family for a fun Alaska-themed movie night. Films set in this region include the romantic comedy “The Proposal,” the adventure drama “Into the Wild,” and the Disney film “Togo.”
Do you want something that will last a little longer? The Discovery Channel’s “Gold Rush” reality TV series is about, you guessed it, the gold rush in Alaska.
Whatever your tastes, there are a variety of films and television shows set in this location. So grab some popcorn and settle in to experience Alaska’s breath-taking scenery on your television.
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