Fireworks in Port Hardy, BC. (Flickr Creative Commons/Nicole Beaulac)
Haines has a jam-packed summer holiday weekend coming up, with First Friday artist exhibitions around town as well as celebrating the 4th of July. KHNS’ Corinne Smith has this roundup.
This holiday weekend is kicking off with First Friday, with several artists displaying work across venues around town.
16-year-old Jacob Weerasinghe will showcase his Alaska Creations candles, jewelry and clothing at the Alaska Arts Confluence, from 5 to 7 p.m.
“I am so excited. I’ve done three First Fridays before corona, and this is going to be my fourth, and the Art Confluence is such like the goal spot because they’re the people that really put it on, and it’s really been my goal and dream to be their First Friday artist, so it’s really special to finally have the opportunity to do that.”
The Bookstore and Ampersand AK will both feature furniture by wood-worker Joanne Waterman, with a reception starting at 5 p.m.
The Haines Brewing Company will show oil and watercolor paintings from longtime Haines resident Walter Betz. And local artist Tawny Darling will display new oil paintings at the Port Chilkoot Distillery, starting at 4 p.m.
On Saturday July 3rd, the 33 Mile Roadhouse will host a pork roast starting at 6:30 p.m. and a fireworks show at 11 p.m. They may or may not have the mechanical bull working if they can find someone to operate it. The Pork roast dinner is $22 a plate with all the fixings. They’re also still looking for live music for the evening.
On Sunday, Haines’ 4th of July festivities will kick off with the annual parade starting at 12:30pm, and line up at 12 noon at Thor’s Fitness. Tracey Harmon with the Haines Chamber of Commerce helped organize the holiday events. This year’s theme is “Back to the Future.”
“The idea is we want to look back to a time pre-pandemic, when we could gather and celebrate and be with our friends and family,” she said. “But now that this is our future, we’re trying to look back at that time and figure out how best to move forward.”
Harmon says they feel COVID risk should be low as it’s an outdoor event, and recommend a six foot distance during the parade. But masks will not be required.
There will be prizes for the best dressed character from the Back to the Future moves, the best parade float, “the best bike, usually that’s the kids category,” said Harmon. “And then the best musical or dance number, as well as for the best dressed dog. That’s a really cute one.”
After the parade, there will be the traditional 4th of July activities at the Southeast Alaska Fairgrounds, as Tlingit Park is under construction with the new longhouse pavilion. Starting at 1 p.m., there will be several community groups selling food as a fundraiser, including the Haines Library will host a Bake & Book sale.
There will also be foot races, a money toss, and then a prize ceremony, followed by a performance by the Chilkat Dancers at 3:15 p.m.
At 9 p.m, the cannon will be fired at the Port Chilkoot Parade grounds, and the fireworks show from Picture Point at 11 p.m.
For a full schedule of 4th of July events, check out the Haines Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.
