This weekend in Haines: First Friday, the Lighting of the Fort, one year storm disaster commemoration and more

It’s a busy weekend in Haines. The holiday season officially kicked off last weekend with the first appearance of Santa, but there are plenty more opportunities to tap into the holiday cheer. And this weekend the town will be reflecting on last year’s weather disaster. KHNS’ Corinne Smith has this roundup of this weekend’s events.

First Friday will feature several new displays at venues across town, as well as original works by local artists for shoppers with the holidays in mind. On Main Street, the Haines Brewing Company will feature landscape paintings by Haines artist Karen Bryant. The Alaska Arts Confluence gallery will feature photography, paintings, jewelry and more from several local creatives.

Corlix, formerly the Yarn shop, will feature another young artist this month. Now seven-year-old Olen Stickler will display his drawings, and cupcakes for his birthday. 

At Alaska Rods, meteorologist and independent publisher Jim Green will have his annual Alaska Weather Calendar for sale, with photography and weather data from across the state. He’ll also be showcasing his original map of Upper Lynn Canal shipwrecks, as well as his rendition of a map of the US.

“It’s a map of the United States, from an Alaskan perspective,” Green said. “And that’s sort of a tongue in cheek response to the way that Alaska is usually portrayed on national maps, you know, in a little box off in the corner. So I’ve sort of rectify that with this USA map, you kind of have to see it to really appreciate it.”

Haines Sheldon Museum has a new display titled “Haines Holiday Memories” with historic photos of Haines’ holidays past, selected items from its collection, and an antique model train replica of Skagway’s White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, running through makeshift snowy mountains.  

On Saturday, December 4, from 10am to 2 pm is the annual Art Bazaar at Harriet Hall at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds.

There will be over 30 vendors including artists, craftspeople and local businesses. 

“A lot of the local artists prepare months in advance for that bazaar,” said Roger Gentry, president of the board of the Alaska Arts Confluence, which is organizing this year’s bazaar. “So you’ll see some of the best works. And I believe there will be some baked goods and other things there. So there’s a little bit of everything for everybody.”

Entry to the bazaar is free, and parking will be available in the lot next to Harriet Hall. 

The annual “Lighting of the Fort” at Fort Seward kicks off at 5 p.m. sharp on Saturday with the firing of the cannon, followed by fireworks, then a Nativity scene storytelling, caroling and a weenie roast.

“Haines has a whole month of wonderful gatherings throughout December. And I think this is really good for the spirit of Haines,” said , says organizer Annette Smith. “We are a close knit community. We enjoy each other’s company. And it’s these kinds of things that bring us together and remind us how lucky we are here.”

Smith says they are also still looking for volunteers to be a part of the Snow Dragon, which will roar down Main Street next week in the Winter Holiday Parade, which will be next Saturday at 4 p.m. December 11.

There’s lots to celebrate, and also plenty to reflect on this week, which marks one year since the extreme weather event that impacted so many. Haines will hold a memorial event, starting at 1:30pm at the boat harbor parking lot. At 2:15pm there will be a community dedication, followed by a bonfire and refreshments. 

 

Correction: The original story aired incorrectly stated Olen’s name as “Orlen,” this story has been corrected.