The 4th of July is a special day for all Americans as it celebrates the independence of the country and its people. However, each city and town in the United States has its unique way of celebrating the day, and Sitka, Alaska, is no exception. This small coastal town on Baranof Island has its way of observing the 4th of July with a parade, booths, food, and fun celebrations for families. This blog post aims to give you a taste of Sitka’s unique way of celebrating the meaning of 4th of July.

Sitka’s 4th of July celebration kicks off with a traditional fireworks show over Sitka Sound a few nights prior to the 4th of July, which is an event not to miss, if you can stay up late! This is a show the whole family will enjoy with stunning views of the mountains and water and the bright colors of the fireworks lighting up the dark sky. It’s a perfect time to relax, have fun, and take in Sitka’s natural beauty while celebrating the significance of this special day.

Next on the agenda, residents and visitors alike enjoy watching the 4th of July parade which has colorful floats, classic cars, marching bands, and community groups as they make their way through Sitka’s streets. The parade ends at the Totem Square, where the booths and fun-filled activities await.

The booths are the heart of Sitka’s 4th of July celebration, where locals showcase their handicrafts, artworks, and themed items. There is also a range of mouth-watering food to indulge in, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, seafood, and ice cream, among others. Children can have fun with various games and activities set up for them while adults enjoy a lively entertainment program featuring live music and performances throughout the day.

The 4th of July celebration in Sitka is an exciting event that brings together the local community and visitors to celebrate the country’s independence. The parade, booths, food, games, and entertainment make the day fun-filled and engaging for people of all ages. Furthermore, Sitka’s natural beauty and historical significance add depth to the event, making it more than just a holiday celebration.

Here is a line up of this year’s 4th of July activities:

10:00 am
Old Time 4th of July Food & Carnival game booths (for a fee) until 7:00 pm at Totem Square.

10:30 am  
An Older and Interesting Car Parade beginning at Whale Park and continuing down Lake Street to Peterson, Edgecumbe, Cascade Creek, HPR, and turns around at the Halibut Point Recreation Site then return to Peterson and end at SHS.

10:30 am 
The Alaska Storytellers will be putting on a 30-minute dance performance inspired by the impact the Russians had on Sitka. Held at Sitka Assembly of God, tickets can be bought online or at the door. Visit alaskastorytellers.com for more information.

12:00 noon  
Barn Dance with live music by Fishing for Cats at the Crescent Harbor net shed. Free to participate and open to all ages.

1:00 pm
Deck opens at the Cold Water Bar & Grill for Sitka locals to watch the 4th of July Parade. Space is limited, reservations required.

1:30 pm 
Parade line-up on Lake Street.

2:00 pm  
The Alaska Storytellers will be putting on a 30-minute dance performance inspired by the impact the Russians had on Sitka. Held at Sitka Assembly of God, tickets can be bought online or at the door. Visit alaskastorytellers.com for more information.

2:30 pm 
4th of July “From Sea to Shining Sea” Parade. Float registration required. Parade will start at the round-about and proceed to the stoplight turning right onto Lincoln Street and then continuing down past City Hall, turning left on Harbor Drive.

4:30 pm  
The Sitka Rotary Club’s 39th Annual Sitka Duck Race will take place at Granite Creek. Ducks will be released promptly at 4:30 pm. Watch the race and cheer on your duck.

4:30 pm 
Sitka Maritime Heritage Society’s Annual 4th of July Cruise – a 2 1/2-hour cruise on wildlife