By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Fourth of July parade, fireworks and other “Old Time”-themed events drew high participation levels and an enthusiastic public response, said organizers of the many events.
“I’d say it was a remarkable hit,” said Hal Spackman, director of Sitka Historical Society, which organized the “Old-Time” games, plus the booths and music for Wednesday and Thursday’s Independence Day celebration.
“It’s important to note that it took a community of people working together to make the last two days happen. That’s what the Fourth of July should be about, bringing people together,” Spackman said.
“We had a great turnout,” said Rachel Roy, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, which organized this year’s parade.
Temperatures hit a high of 63 degrees, the sun came out and no rain was measured Wednesday, the lead-up day for the celebration, or on Thursday, July 4. The overnight low Thursday was 56 degrees.
Roy said the parade was started earlier than usual to allow passengers on the cruise liner Oosterdam to attend during their brief time in town. One other, smaller ship was also here for the day.
“It was a great way to share our community spirit with them,” she said.
The Sitka Historical Society said the response to the games was what the organization had hoped for, with kids of all ages competing in the three-legged and sack races and the greased pole contest, at Totem Square.
“Hundreds tried, and only two made it,” Spackman said of the contest to shimmy up a 14-foot troller pole coated with Wesson oil. “What was remarkable about the games is how people recalled memories of past Fourth of Julys. And it made memories for young people that they will cherish forever. It truly represented what an ‘old-time Fourth of July’ could be: community, kids, fun and patriotism.”
The parade had 31 entrants, including floats, bands and marching units, representing nonprofit, military and government organizations, sports teams, a church, a reunion class and private businesses.
The Chamber also announced the parade results under this year’s theme “Old-Time Fourth of July.” Dan Jones was the Parade Marshal, and led the parade riding in the bed of his classic 1956 Willys truck, driven by Jones’ son-in law Shawn Gutierrez.
The results were as follows:
Best of Parade: Daily Sitka Sentinel
Best of Theme: Daily Sitka Sentinel – “Real News Never Gets Old”
Honorable Mention: Sea Mart Quality Foods – “Barbara is 90”. Barbara Hames rode in a 1924 Model-T Ford truck, driven by her son, Randal Hames.
Honorable Mention: New Archangels Dancers 50th Anniversary
Most Enthusiastic: State Champion Sitka High School Girls Softball Team
The historical society also coordinated the music and booths, this year held at Totem Square, with the streets closed off at the end of Lincoln Street.
Spackman thanked Kerry Livingston for her role in coordinating the music, and Rob and Jan Love for their work on the games, in addition to sponsors and other helpers.
As to whether the nonprofit will sponsor a similar Fourth next year, he said it’s Sitka Historical Society board’s call.
“Judging from the community response – I had literally hundreds tell me they were hopeful we would do it again, I would say we would plan to do it next year, but it’s a board decision,” Spackman said.
