Boots Thanks
Dear Editor: Oh, the looks on the tourists’ faces as they huddled under awnings in truly awful weather, shaking their heads in bewilderment as smiling Sitkan in outlandish outfits danced around in a circle to the rockin’ grooves of the Sitka Blues Band!
Too early for Halloween, there were kids in all manner of costumes, including a rainbow, the sun and moon, itsy bitsy spiders and a robot. But why were there so many adults dressed like Kiss Parisians, Kale Heads and a fisherman hooking a giant salmon? A family of Ghostbusters? Hopefully it became clear when an XtraTuf boot got tossed in the air and giant boots, a boot tree and all manner of wild boots stampeded down Lincoln Street. The first 10 runners to reach Harry Race Pharmacy got wooden nickels good for free sodas.
When the runners (and walkers) made it back to the Farmers Market Booth they were awarded dozens of prizes from local merchants. Russell’s outfitted 10 participants with new pairs of XtraTuf boots from Honeywell. A couple became airborne as they jumped for joy learning they had won a Flightseeing trip from Harris Air. Kids thrilled to get terrific toys from AC Lakeside and books and stuffed animals from Old Harbor Books. Spenard Builders Supply greened up the event with a beautiful rhododendron.
It was fitting that these supporters of the Sitka Local Foods Network were well fed with gift certificates from Ludwig’s Bistro, the Pub, Sea Mart, the Westmark Inn, locally roasted coffee from Highliner Coffee and gourmet salt from Alaska Sea Salt. The wet wonders also received marvelous merchandise from the Alaska Computer Store, Ben Franklin, Fisherman’s Eye and Yellow Jersey Bike Shop as well. Mighty Mt. Edgecumbe students Aana and Hayley Rangitsch, Camille Gemmill and Jasmine Woods from the MEHS LEADS club got everyone registered in record time. It was a Tuf job to match contestants with prizes, but judges Jude Rise, Kathy Kyle and JV Susan excelled, assisted by the incomparable prize-wrangler Michelle Putz.
Many thanks to the Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce, the local seafood processors, the Alaska Cruise Line Association, the Sitka Sentinel, KCAW and KIFW. And a big Gunalchéesh! to all who helped make the 21st annual Running of the Boots a raging success.
Kerry MacLane,
Event Coordinator,
Sitka Local Foods Network
