By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
If other communities around the U.S. bring folks out for a monthly evening of fun, art and shopping, why not Sitka?
Members of the business community asked and answered that question by organizing First Friday, an event that will run 5 to 8 p.m. downtown Friday night – and on the first Friday of each month into the fall.
“This just came from a lot of merchants that wanted to have an event where we could create community, once a month,” said Teal West, owner of the Sitka Lighthouse Co. Store. “That was the main idea.”
More than half of the businesses have agreed to participate, with West and other organizers agreeing that a kickoff on the eve of the Fourth of July weekend would be a good start.
“Sitka has a strong sense of community,” West said. “It was a way to continue that and a way to sustain our businesses.”
Elisabeth Sutton, left, and Pam Samuelson put on their aprons as they set up the Emblem Club’s snow cone and cotton candy booth outside the Elks Lodge this afternoon. The Emblem Club and the Elks are hosting food booths throughout the Independence Day celebration. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
Businesses are invited to stay open beyond the usual closing time, with a number providing food or hosting an artistic feature, such as artists debuting work and musicians entertaining shoppers.
This event would be in addition to the Greater Sitka Arts Council’s Art Walk, which is held twice a year.
The Chamber isn’t sponsoring the First Friday event but it’s including it on the official Fourth of July calendar.
The Fourth holiday weekend schedule is below, and includes games, entertainment, music and food, with the parade set for 1 p.m. Sunday. Fireworks were moved to July 10. The full schedule follows this story.
West said other communities in Alaska host a “first Friday” or similar event, which have been a successful means for bringing people together and supporting downtown businesses.
“It just creates a really awesome sense of community,” she said. “We’re starting small and hoping it will build over time and be something Sitka becomes accustomed to and can look forward to. We also thought it would be a fun way to kick off the Fourth of July.”
West, who also owns the Sitka Lighthouse off Galankin Island, opened her shop after she received numerous requests for souvenirs from visitors who stayed at or saw the lighthouse.
Down the street, Pat Kehoe, a member of the cooperative Island Artists Gallery, said a similar event was held a few years ago, and the feedback was positive.
“People loved it,” she said. “It was a wonderful evening event, to get out ... We’re really excited to see it starting back up. People need the opportunity to get out and mingle in a safe manner.”
She said members of the cooperative have invited local musician Elijah Huerta to perform – outside if the weather cooperates – and food will be provided, in individual portions, in line with COVID precautions.
Kehoe said a few artists will be debuting work as well.
Rachel Roy, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said similar First Friday events across the country are successful in encouraging shopping and vibrancy in the business community.
“I think it has a lot of opportunity to encourage shopping likely into the fall, and Christmas shopping season,” she said. “It’s a time people are off from work, they can spend time with their friends. It’s important we support the Lincoln Street businesses; it’s one way they’re giving us an opportunity to do that.”
She added, “I was out at 5:30 and the streets were full of people. This is something visitors can participate in as well.”
Fourth of July Schedule
Today, July 1
Until 7 p.m. or sold out – Sitka Elks Lodge parking lot, sale of taco boats, corn dogs, burgers and fries, and Mexican street corn in their parking lot. Elks, 747-3511.
Friday, July 2
11 a.m. – Sitka Elks Lodge selling taco boats, corn dogs, burgers and fries, and Mexican street corn in their parking lot, until 7 p.m. or sold out. Elks 747-3511.
5 to 8 p.m. – First Friday event. Join local merchants downtown for shopping, music and fun.
Saturday, July 3
9 a.m. – Gavan Hill Hike –Sitka Trail Works is coordinating a strenuous 6-mile hike of Gavan Hill to Harbor Mountain Trail. It starts at the Sitka High School entrance of the trail. Depending on the speed of participants the hike may take about 6 hours. Contact sitkatrailworks.org.
10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Sitka Local Food Network’s Farmers Market features local produce, locally caught fish, homemade baked goods, cottage foods, prepared foods, arts and crafts, live music. Harrigan Centennial Hall Plaza. sitkalocalfoodsnetwork.org.
10 a.m.-midnight – Old Time 4th of July Food & Carnival game booths (for a fee) at Totem Square. Sitka Historical Society & Museum, 738-3766.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. – Fundraiser lunch at ANB Founders Hall. Hosted by Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp #1 with proceeds to benefit the family of Wilfred Hanbury, Jr. and ANB Camp 1. Liz at 738-2836.
11 a.m. – Sitka Elks Lodge to sell taco boats, corn dogs, burgers and fries, and Mexican street corn in the parking lot until 7 p.m. or until sold out. Elks, 747-3511.
2 p.m. – Free outdoor barn dance at Totem Square. Sitka’s Fishing For Cats Band will provide live music. Contact 747-3412.
4 p.m. – KCAW will broadcast live music played on the Petro Marine stage until 7 p.m., 104.7 FM, 90.1 FM, stream online at www.kcaw.org.
8 p.m.-11:59 p.m. – Street Dance at Petro Marine at 1 Lincoln Street. Beer & wine garden, live music by Slack Tide, and DJ Andrew Hames. Sitka Historical Society & Museum, 738-3766.
Sunday, July 4
10 a.m. -6 p.m. – Old Time 4th of July Food & Carnival game booths (for a fee) at Totem Square. Sitka Historical Society & Museum, 738-3766.
10 a.m. – 2nd annual Older Car Parade. Vehicles built prior to 1970s and those with unique builds invited to line up at Whale Park at 9:45 a.m. Route is from Sawmill Creek Road to the roundabout to Halibut Point Road to Kashevaroff St., then left on Edgecumbe Drive, down Cascade Creek to HPR out to Starrigavan. The parade will return to town on Halibut Point Road turning right on Katlian St., left on Lincoln, right at St. Michael’s Cathedral and disperse at Centennial Hall. Jeff Budd, 747-4821.
11 a.m. – Sitka Elks Lodge selling taco boats, corn dogs, burgers and fries, and Mexican street corn in their parking lot until 7 pm or until sold out. Contact Elks at 747-3511.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. – Fundraiser lunch at ANB Founders Hall. Hosted by Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp #1 with proceeds to benefit the family of Wilfred Hanbury, Jr. and ANB Camp 1. Liz at 738-2836.
11:30 a.m. – Patriotic Music Concert, Sitka Lutheran Church.
11:30 a.m. – Sitka Moose Lodge selling local halibut fish and chips until 3 p.m. or until sold out.
Noon – Line up for the parade on Lake Street. Sitka Chamber of Commerce, 747-8604.
Noon – Patriotic music played on KIFW 12:30 a.m. with live broadcast of the 4th of July Parade at 1 p.m. 747-6626.
Noon-4 p.m. – Food and children’s fishing pond at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church parking lot.
1 p.m. – 4th of July Parade starting on Lake Street at the roundabout, right onto Lincoln Street to Harbor Way. Chamber of Commerce, 747-8604.
2 p.m.-6 p.m. – Old Time 4th of July “old time” kids games begin after the parade at Totem Square. Prizes for all games including greased pole, pie eating contest, sack races, wheelbarrow races and more! Sitka Historical Society & Museum, 738-3766.
3:45 p.m.-6:15 p.m. – Sitka Maritime Heritage Society’s annual Fourth of July History and Wildlife Cruise. The Allen Marine vessel boards at 3:15 pm at Crescent Harbor. Tickets are $65 for adults and $40 for 12 and under, available at Old Harbor Books. Contact 907-623-8054.
4 p.m. - Rotary Duck Race with rubber ducks released into Granite Creek to float to Halibut Point Recreation area. Winners announced.
Saturday, July 10
11:30 p.m. Fireworks display over Sitka Channel (weather permitting).
