Page 48 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

46  INTRODUCING ALASK A

ALASKA THROUGH THE YEAR

Alaskans are festive types and nearly Salmonfest. Summer festivals are often
every town and village has evolved its own boisterous, round-the-clock affairs, while
cele brations. Events that are not music- winter events give people the opportunity
or sports-related typically focus on a local to get out of the house during the darkest
commodity, historic or ethnic event, some days of the year. On Alaska Day and the
sort of novelty, or a natural phenomenon, Fourth of July, the entire state joins in
such as events based around the midnight the festivities, usually with displays of
sun or sea ice. The atmosphere ranges from fireworks, but some communities often
the elegant formality of the Sitka Summer stage large celebrations that draw people
Music Festival to uninhibited revelry at the from across the state.

bird-oriented activities honor ing
100,000 shorebirds on the
beaches of Kachemak Bay.
Little Norway Festival (weekend
nearest May 17), Petersburg.
A vibrant celebration of the
town’s Norwegian roots,
including a traditional bunader
dress competition, parade,
and Norwegian delicacies.
Great Alaska Craftbeer
and Homebrew Festival
(3rd weekend), Haines. This
competition between
home- and microbrewers
is an excellent opportunity
Bird’s-eye view of the rides at the Alaska State Fair to taste some unusual beers.
Crab Festival (Memorial Day
full speed. Most end up very weekend), Kodiak. The end of
Spring
wet and cold. the crabbing season is marked
In the spring, as the days grow with music, festivities, and races,
longer, the ice is start ing to break May including one in which teams
up, the birds are beginning to Copper River Delta Shorebird wearing heavy survival suits
return, and Alaskans are gearing Festival (1st week), Cordova. swim out to boats in the harbor.
up for summer activity. Some The return of shorebirds to the
com munities try to get a jump Copper River Delta is marked Summer
on the excitement by staging with three days of bird-related
early festivities, but the weather activities, including talks and the Summer is understandably
can be unpre dictable, with Great Cordova Birder’s Challenge. the favorite season of most
snow possible in April and May. Kachemak Bay Shorebird Alaskans, and communities
Festival (1st full weekend), Homer. organize an explosion of
April Birding trips, music, kayaking, and festivities designed for both
Alaska Folk Festival (mid-Apr), locals and tourists. Attendees
Juneau. This weeklong festival can plan on partying late into
features the hottest folk the midnight brightness.
and bluegrass performers
from around Alaska and the June
Northwest. Participants can Sitka Summer Music Festival
also attend free dance work- (three weeks in Jun), Sitka.
shops at the festival. This popular event attracts
Alyeska Spring Carnival (3rd international classical musicians
week), Girdwood. This popular every summer. Book chamber
spring festival is the ski resort’s music performances in advance.
finale for the season, with a Copper River Wild Salmon
freestyle competition, kids’ Festival (2nd week), Cordova.
games, and the Slush Cup, This event commemorates the
where skiers and snowboarders Musicians performing at the Sitka Summer famous Copper River reds with
attempt to cross an icy pond at Music Festival a dance, a salmon banquet, and

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