Dogs to Have BARK Time
At Park’s 104th Birthday
Sitka National Historical Park will offer a weekend of activities Aug. 22 and 23 at the visitor center.
All are invited to join park mascot Buddy the Bison in celebrating the 104th birthday of the National Park Service. Buddy will be making appearances throughout the weekend, ready to elbow bump and “air high five” event participants.
The National Park Service birthday is on Aug. 25, but Buddy wants to celebrate with Sitka friends on the weekend, the park said.
A BARK Ranger and Dog Walker Appreciation event is set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday on the front lawn of the visitor center near the lower parking lot.
Socialized dogs on leashes (six-foot leash or shorter) and their walkers can participate in a short “induction ceremony” in which the dogs will promise, with the assistance of their humans, to always follow the rules of the BARK Ranger Code.
These rules are:
B: Bag your waste.
A: Always wear a leash that is 6 feet or shorter (not retractable).
R: Respect wildlife.
K: Know where to go.
Dogs participating in the ceremony will be given a special BARK Ranger Badge (dog tag) after the ceremony. An activity booklet will be available for kids. Photographs will be taken, with their human’s consent, to be posted on the park’s social media page.
‘‘We look forward to giving some appreciation to the furry friends and their humans, who do such a wonderful job keeping the trails clean and pleasant for everyone,’’ the park said. ‘‘If you can’t make it to this event, contact a park ranger to receive a BARK Ranger activity book, and dog tag.’’
On Sunday, families can pick up Salmon Sleuth activity guides any time between noon and 3:30 p.m. The “search and learn at your own pace” program, with activities that are appropriate for a broad range of ages, is estimated to take an hour or less to complete.
The program touches on basic concepts of salmon life cycles, spawning, identification, bear safety and the ecosystem.
‘‘We are excited to meet families and involve children during these exciting days of the salmon run,’’ the park said. ‘‘Once the activity is completed, kids can return to Totem Hall to receive their Jr. Ranger badge and a certificate of completion.’’
Face coverings or masks are encouraged when entering Totem Hall.
For additional information visit the park’s web page https://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/calendar.htm or call the visitor center at 747-0110.
‘‘Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, we are increasing access and services in a phased approach across all units of the National Park System,’’ the park said. ‘‘Before visiting a park, please check the park website to determine its operating status. Updates about the overall NPS response to COVID-19 including safety information, are posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.’’
Kids ‘Grab-N-Go’
Slated Saturday
Sitka Elks Lodge 1662 in partnership with Sitka Imagination Library and Sitka Emblem Club 142 is sponsoring a family engagement ‘‘Grab-N-Go’’ event for families with children under the age of 5.
The drive-through parking lot event at the Sitka Elks Lodge will be 10 a.m.-11 a.m. (or until supplies run out) on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Grab bags include activities that will be focused on not only the child but strengthening the caregiver-child relationship, organizers said.
Homeless Coalition
Board Meets Tonight
Sitka Homeless Coalition will hold a board meeting 5:30 p.m. tonight via Zoom.
All are invited to attend. Call 747-7978 for the link.
The meeting is scheduled earlier in the month than is customary due to board members’ schedules.
Outdoor Gear
Swap Sept. 26
The Sitka Sportsman’s Association is having its Gun and Outdoor Gear Swap Saturday, Sept. 26, at 5211 Halibut Point Road. Doors open for buyers and browsers at 9 a.m. and ending around 1 p.m.
Sellers’ tables rent for $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Both individuals and businesses can sell at the event. Only sellers may arrive at 8 a.m. to set up. Sellers must reserve a table by contacting Chad at 623-0908 or email premiertrainingak@gmail.com.
