By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
You might find yourself in a time warp at times during this Fourth of July weekend.
From the after-hours business event tonight, to the old car and traditional parades on the Fourth, and finally a fireworks show a week later, this year’s celebrations may have you checking your watch more than once for the right time, day – and year.
“It’s a little bit off but it means our holiday is extended for a longer period of time,” said Rachel Roy, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, which is organizing the parade.
But expect a lot to be delivered as expected, with music, games, food, fundraisers and parades. Events on the Chamber calendar kicked off Thursday and continue through Sunday – with a bonus event, the fireworks display, on July 10.
Shoppers check out the display at the Cellar this afternoon on Lincoln Street. Today is the first First Friday event in downtown Sitka. Members of the business community said they organized the event in order to “create community” and offer specials on the first Friday of the month throughout the tourist season. Many shops will be staying open late and offering food; artists will debut new work; and musicians will entertain shoppers. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
Two parades will be held on the Fourth: the old car parade through town starting at 10 a.m. and the traditional downtown parade at 1 p.m.
The lineup for floats and marching units in the regular parade will begin at noon Sunday on Lake Street at the roundabout. The parade will go to the stoplight and turn right onto Lincoln Street. The theme is “Red, White & Blue” and former fire chief Dave Miller is the grand marshal.
Rachel Roy said everything appears set for a successful and busy weekend. Fireworks had to be rescheduled due to shipping issues.
“We’ve had a couple additions to the parade so that’ll be fun to have more floats,” Rachel Roy said. “There’s a lot of businesses being creative on how they can have their businesses be part of the (festivities).”
That includes keeping the stores and restaurants open on the holiday, offering food and drink specials and sales planned in honor of the holiday, Roy said.
Last year most Independence Day events were canceled because of COVID precautions, and resumption of “normal” activities this year seems to be welcome, Roy said.
“People who’ve called or reached out were grateful to have what feels like a more normal holiday,” Roy said. “Some are trying to figure out whether they want to be in the parade or watching the parade. What feels great to me is that we get to have that sense of community, with the parade. ... We’re so happy to be able to have it.”
At least one event that started here last year may become a tradition: the old car parade. It was designed in 2020 as a way to have a parade that would wind through town, allowing people to see it from inside their homes or outside at a safe physical distance.
Jeff Budd, owner of a 1973 Checker Marathon, came up with the idea.
“There was no (normal) parade – we just took the cars through town, so people didn’t have to come out of their houses and we could go through neighborhoods the best we could,” he said.
Classic cars parade down Katlian Street during the 2020 Older Car Parade. This year’s event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday with a lineup at Whale Park. (Sentinel file Photo)
Budd said the invitation was for any “older car” – from the 1970s and before – to join in. He received a lot of good feedback, including comments from some to “slow down a little bit” so they could get a better look.
The car parade will start at Whale Park on Sawmill Creek Road. The route and schedule are available in the calender below. Budd said those interested can still “just show up 9:45 at Whale Park, and we’ll be good to go.”
Dusty Kidd said he’s trying to get his 1948 Willys CJ-2A in shape for the parade. It carries the same markings – 1A 87G D-4 – that were on the bumper of the Jeep his dad drove when he landed on Utah Beach in Normandy in World War II. Charles Kidd was a U.S. Army platoon leader and forward observer for a heavy mortar company.
Kidd has been working on the Jeep since he bought it in 2019. He calls the project a “driving restoration.”
“I drive and see what goes wrong, and fix it,” said Kidd. He hopes it’s ready by Sunday.
Dan Jones also will be driving a Willys, his red 1956 pickup. Last year he was joined by his wife, Karen, and their grandson Beckett, for the parade.
“We all had a dandy-good time!” said Jones, who was one of 20 drivers of vintage cars last year. “There’s no telling how many it will be this year,” he said.
Today
5 to 8 p.m. – First Fridays on Lincoln Street. 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 entrance of the trail. Depending on the hikers’ speed it 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. – Sitka Moose Lodge selling local halibut fish and chips until 3 p.m. or until sold out.
11:30 a.m. – Patriotic Music Concert, Sitka Lutheran Church.
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 in Sitka Channel (weather permitting).
