Friends and family gather around the fire at the 2018 Lighting of the Fort. (KHNS / Henry Leasia)
The holiday season started off with a bang in Haines during the annual light the fort celebration on Saturday. KHNS recorded this audio postcard from the event.
The Light the Fort tradition began during the Fort Seward centennial celebration in 2004. Every year it kicks off with an explosion from the historic cannon, which signals the houses along Officer’s Row to turn on their Christmas lights. After the fort is lit, residents sing carols and roast hot dogs around a bonfire. It’s traditionally held on the first Saturday in December.
