By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Alaska Day Festival kicks into high gear tonight with the Alaska Day Ball, to be followed on Friday with the parade and a full schedule of events.
In the words of the organizers, “The Alaska Day Festival annually commemorates the Transfer of Russian claim of Alaska to the United States of America at Sitka on October 18, 1867, and celebrates the diversity of cultures and historical perspectives of our people.”
This year’s theme is “Frontier First Responders,” in honor of Sitka’s emergency response professionals and volunteers, including search and rescue volunteers, EMTs and other medical personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, and Coast Guard response teams serving the community.
History is always the centerpiece of the Alaska Day Festival – with educational events, lectures and tours peppered throughout the schedule.
Bagpiper Adam Smith, with the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums, gets an assist from Baranof Elementary School first-grader Eleanor Ebanks this afternoon at the covered shelter on the school playground. The Seattle band has become an integral part of the Alaska Day festival, performing at schools and at events during the day and at downtown venues during the night. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
Friday’s events lead up to the re-enactment of the transfer ceremony atop Castle Hill immediately after the parade. A recent addition to the Alaska Day events is a Mourning Ceremony at the base of Noow Tlein (Castle Hill) by the Kik.sadi clan and other clans, at 2 p.m.
The Alaska Day Committee has declared: “As we focus on the annual commemoration of Alaska Day, we hope to inspire a deeper exploration into the cultures and history of the 1867 era. We aim to stimulate the imaginations of our current generation, and to look beyond our own histories, and to better appreciate the experiences of others.”
A military presence is a regular feature, with U.S. Army Band performances, service work by soldiers, and all visiting military personnel welcomed as guests.
High-ranking military officers here this year include Alaska Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Charles Knowles, Commander of the Alaska Army National Guard, from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson; and Maj. Gen. Peter B. Andrysiak Jr., U.S. Army Alaska Commanding General.
U.S. Army Alaska has assigned 12 members of the 4th Brigade Combat Team at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to form a rifle squad and color guard for ceremonies at Sitka National Cemetery and on Castle Hill.
“Soldiers from out of town combine with local National Guard members to participate in the Friday parade and other activities, including military training,” the Alaska Day Committee says on its website.
For its part, the U.S. Army Alaska issued a statement that “Alaska Day in Sitka is the one opportunity USARAK has to come in contact with the Sitka community, which has an exceptional military and military retiree population. By participating, we are creating a relationship with citizens who may not have any further contact with the Army in the future and show that USARAK has a genuine understanding and appreciation of the historical significance of this event for the Sitka community.”
The Alaska Day event schedule (* denotes official Festival event):
Tonight
5:30 p.m. – Sitka Maritime Heritage Society video presentation of Sitkans telling of experiences in 1964 earthquake. Sitka Public Library.
*7 p.m. – Alaska Day Ball seating opens. Dance music by 9th Army Band. Awards for various period costumes and Native regalia. Period dress, regalia or semi-formal. Adults over 21 only.
Centennial Hall.
Friday, October 18
ALASKA DAY
9 a.m. – All Day. Sitka Underground Tours at St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. Enter at cathedral’s “back door.” Tours start on the hour.
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Open House, Russian Bishop’s House. Film “Russian Bishop’s House: An Icon Reborn.” Chapel open 9:30 to 11 a.m.
10 a.m. – Noon. Alaska Longline Fisherman’s Association open house. New location: 304 Baranof St.
11 a.m. – St. Michael’s annual sisterhood luncheon. Fish pie and chowder.
*11 a.m. – Military Memorial Service led by U.S. Army Chaplain. Sitka National Cemetery. Greet members of Seattle Firefighters Pipe Band.
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pie sale. Sitka Lutheran Church, 224 Lincoln St.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Chili cook-off and feed, with fried Oreos. St. Gregory Catholic Church on Lincoln St.
*12:30 p.m. – Line up for parade along Lake Street.
*1:30 p.m. Parade from Swan Lake to Lincoln Street to Totem Square. Immediately following parade:
*Transfer Ceremony 1867 Commemoration on Castle Hill.
*Immediately following Transfer Ceremony: Air-sea rescue demonstration. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station and Coast Guard Auxiliary. Near O’Connell Bridge visitor facility.
2 p.m. – “Mourning Ceremony,” base of Noow Tlein (also known as Castle Hill), by Kik.sadi clan and other clans.
2 p.m. – American Legion Sitka Post 13 finger food brunch, after parade.
2-4 p.m. – Sitka Pioneers Home open house.
2 - 5 p.m. - Brave Heart Volunteers open house and fundraiser. Manager’s House next to Sitka Pioneers Home.
2:30–6:30 p.m. Sitka History Museum Brew Festival at Centennial Hall plaza.
6:30 p.m. Alaska Day auction of donated services, Sitka High School boys basketball team. Pioneer Bar.
Saturday, October 19
6 a.m. – Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums Band departs from airport.
10 a.m. - Noon. Open House aboard USCG Cutter Kukui.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Open House & Marine Safety Fair. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka.
*6:30 p.m. – Variety Show of local talent. Centennial Hall.
