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Events History of Transfer History
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Historical Tidbit:
When the United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, only two settlements in the territory could be considered towns: Sitka and Kodiak. The latter served as the Russian-American Company headquarters from 1799 until 1808, when Sitka became the colonial capital.
Source: "Russian America: The Forgotten Frontier" (1990, Smith & Barnett)
2007 Events
The Alaska Day Committee 2007 meets for planning at 7:00 pm at Harrigan Centennial Hall on Tuesdays: April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 11, 18, 25, October 2 and 9. For the roster of members, check out the Committee Page.
*All events sponsored by the Alaska Day Committee except as noted. Additional dates will be posted as they are confirmed.
Thumbnail Images of Alaska Day's major events.
2004 Alaska Transfer Ceremony Images
| October 3, Wednesday | Noon | Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Program by Alaska Day Committee
members. Westmark Sitka. 747-8604 |
| October 6 thru TBA | 1:00 - 6:00 pm |
Festival event schedules, tickets, commemorative merchandise sold at Lakeside
Shopping Mall. Coordinated by Linda Trierschield, 747-5466. |
| October 11, Thursday | 6:30 pm | Salute to Sitka's Youth featuring Native dance, band, choral, drill team, gymnastics, ballet, cheerleading and other presentations. At Blatchley Middle School Gym. Admission $___ to benefit participating youth groups. Coordinated by Jane Eidler, 747-5354 and Mike Kernin, 966-1437. |
| October 12, Friday |
Official greeters in 1860s costumes begin meeting visitors at airport. Coordinated by Betty Conklin, 966-2281. | |
| Noon | Swearing-in of Keystone Kops at Totem Square by Alaska Public Safety Academy officer. Coordinated by Mary Magnuson, 752-0500. | |
| 7:00 pm | New Archangel Dancers Show with end-of-season grand finale performance featuring variety of traditional folk dances from Russia and the surrounding regions. At Harrigan Centennial Hall. Benefit for Alaska Day Festival. Contact 747-5516. | |
| October 13, Saturday |
8:00 am | Road Race (27th annual event) begins at Coast Guard Gazebo off Airport Road and return, 7-mile course for runners or 2.5 mile fun run. Refreshments at Gazebo. Coordinated by US Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team and USCG Air Station Sitka. Contact 966-5415. |
| 9:00 am | Croquet Tournament (12th Annual Event) Preliminary matches at Moller Field. Finals on Oct. 18 at Pioneers Home. Prizes. Equipment provided. Alaska day costuming invited. Spectators welcome. Entry benefit for Sitka Pioneers' Home Gardens. Contact Tim Ryan, 747-2016 or 747-3068. | |
| 11:00 am | Kayak Races at Swan Lake (3rd annual event). Age division races for junior high, senior high, and adult teams. Safety gear and personnel, 2-person kayaks all provided by Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures, John and Barbara DeLong. Cash prices. | |
| 11:00 am - 3:00 pm |
Open House and Marine Safety Fair at US Coast Guard Air Station. Displays for children and adults offered in conjunction with other local emergency service providers. | |
| TBA | Visits to Historic Sites and Buildings hosted by agencies, private enterprise, and volunteers. 747-0132, 747-0110, 747-6455 | |
| 7:00 pm | Festival Community Contra Dance. At Centennial Hall. Live Music. Mixers, circles and contra dances, or just good listening. Beginners or seasoned dancers. Non-alcohol, smoke-free. Alaska Day costuming invited. Free admission. Contact 747-3412. | |
| October 14, Sunday |
10:00 am | Mountain Madness Bicycle Hill Climb at Harbor Mountain. Bicycle helmet required. Sponsored by Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop. Contact Bill Hughes 747-6317. |
| 1:00 pm | Alaska Day Biathlon (running/shooting event) at north end of Halibut Point Road. Sponsored by Sitka Sportsman's Association. Fee includes use of equipment, safety clinic, awards, and refreshments. Age 14 and older. Beginners welcome. Contests for individuals and teams of 4. |
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| October 15, Monday |
7:00 pm | Variety Show of entertainment and vignettes from Sitka's past. Judging of men's beards (Sitka Emblem Club #142) and women's bonnets (Sitka Elks Lodge #1662). At Centennial Hall. |
| October 16, Tuesday |
7:00 pm | 9th Army Band Concert of varied musical styles from military marches to pop rhythms. At Centennial Hall. Free of charge. |
| October 17, Wednesday | 7:00 pm | Alaska Day Ball seating opens. Local live band or "Big Band" dance music by 9th Army Band starts at 8:00 pm. Period costume promenade and Native regalia display at 9:30 pm. Awards. Door prizes by Alaska Airlines and others. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar. Adults over 21 only. Period dress, regalia, or semi-formal. At Centennial Hall. |
| October 18, Thursday |
ALASKA DAY |
|
| 11:00 am | Military Memorial Services by Army Chaplain at Sitka National Cemetery. Representation by all military services. Drums and bugles by 9th Army Band. Fly-over by US Coast Guard Air Station. | |
| 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm |
Line up for parade along Lake Street | |
| 1:30 pm | Parade of bands, marching units, decorated vehicles, classic cars, and costumed individuals from Swan Lake to Lincoln Street to Totem Square. | |
| Immediately following parade | Transfer Ceremony 1867 Commemoration on Castle Hill. Lowering of Russian Flag and Raising of American Flag. Ceremonial Music by 9th Army Band. | |
| 2:00- 4:00 PM |
Sitka Pioneers' Home Open House. Entertainment. Refreshments. Display of historic photos. Croquet Tournament Finals on lawn. | |
| 3:00 PM | US Coast Guard presents air-sea rescue demonstration. | |
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