50th Anniversary of Statehood
Photos & Story by Leanne
Our downtown Anchorage celebration of Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood on Saturday, January 3rd was welcomed with sub-zero temperatures and a hearty Alaskan spirit. The “Light of the North” cauldron was positioned at the intersection of 7th Avenue and F Street.
A procession of delegates carrying glowsticks and representing communities all over Alaska made their way from the Egan Center to the cauldron. Governor Sarah Palin was on hand for the ceremonial lighting but at -18 degrees F kept her address very brief. Two ladies from the crowd shared their historic memorabilia, the “WE’RE IN” newspaper and a 49 star flag. Those who braved the frigid weather were treated to stunning ice sculptures and saw Bohemian waxwings feasting on mountain ash berries in Town Square. There were continuous musical and dance performances from 4-8pm at the Egan Center, Performing Arts Center, and new Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center. The culmination of the festivities was the fireworks show at 8pm. Being a part of this celebration reconfirmed my feeling of good fortune that I live under the North Star in the Last Frontier.
The highlight of the celebration was the biggest firework display Alaska has ever seen. Fireworks were shot off on top of three different buildings surrounding Town Square Park in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Despite the frigid weather, thousands of Alaskans were out enjoying Alaska's 50th birthday show.
Ice sculptures in Town Square Park glittered magnificently in the cold, sunny weather. The giant blocks of clear, lake ice came from Fairbanks. The artists only had a few days to work on them. Most were themed with the statehood anniversary and others, like this caribou were Alaskan symbols.