Fourth of July in Anchorage and Girdwood

We lined up early and waited for the parade to begin. It was my first ever fourth of July parade without sweat! In fact, we wore shorts and sandals (and fleece pullovers), and it was a little chilly at 57 degrees when the parade began at 11:30. It also was a most pleasant sized crowd - about 3 people deep from the street and very friendly. Compared to last July 4th that we spent on the National Mall in Washington DC in the heat and later in the rain pushing and shoving to get down the sidewalk with about 1 million of our fellow countrymen, this was truly enjoyable. The parade began with our military servicemen.

And continued with more support for the military....some familiar...

And some uniquely Alaskan. The Confederacy was represented.

And so was the North Pole. This reindeer's name is Star.

Sarah wasn't here but she hasn't been forgotten (even though she did resign yesterday).

The Auto Mushers of Alaska were in the parade:

With this wonderful calliope playing patriotic music and a fun array of vintage cars.

Yep. That's a Beamer.

As always in Alaska, there were private planes flying low overhead.

There were no traditional marching bands but the Crow Creek Pipe and Drum Corps were fabulous.

And so was the Button Box Gang.

These folks got almost as much applause as the Armed Services floats.




Some wore their opinions....
others carried signs.

That's uniquely Alaskan!

Happy 50th Birthday Alaska!

&

May God Bless America!

Following the parade, we left downtown Anchorage and went to Girdwood about 30 miles south for the Girdwood Forest Festival.

For this festival, Girdwood is transformed from a sleepy, little, hippy town into a bustling, hula-hooping, flower wearing, hippy party in the woods complete with made in Alaska gift items, face painting, henna tatoos, food and live music on 2 stages.

This is definitely a change of pace. Do you think we fit in well here?

Tucker found a soul mate.

So did Cole and Carson.

The bands were entertaining.

We especially liked this one. So did all the people dancing. In fact, we loved the Forest Festival. Everyone had a great time and it was a culturally enriching experience.

The Forest Festival was a great way to end our Alaskan 4th of July celebration since we can't stay up late enough for the fireworks! What time does that happen anyway? Is it ever really dark enough here for fireworks??? We may never know.