Every year, Sitka hosts a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration with parade, games and of course a huge fireworks display. The parade begins promptly at 2 p.m. on Lake Street before winding down Lincoln and ending at City Hall. However, starting July 1 the city of Sitka starts celebrating the biggest holiday of the summer with a special performance from the Naa Kahidi Dancers at the Naa Kahidi house (performances throughout the day).

The New Archangel Dancers also perform at Smith Street studio, and a special Sitka Farmers Market with patriotic themes helps usher in the warmest month of the year. Head over to the Alaska Native Brotherhood Founders Hall, a wonderful community marketplace, to pick up goodies, crafts and more.

Let Freedom Ring

Baranof Elementary hosts three full days of 4^th of July booths where you can pick up fireworks and other celebratory items starting July 2^nd. An early fireworks display at 11:30 p.m. on July 3 kicks off the big day, and on July 4^th the parade lineup starts just after noon.

Post-parade festivities include hosts of Raven Radio and their Free Root Beer Float Party with live music and lawn games. Check out the U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo at O’Connell Bridge at 3 p.m., and the water fight between the Sitka Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard at City Hall at 4 p.m. The Rotary Duck Race and acoustic jam sessions lead up to the biggest fireworks show in the region.