July is all about Independence Day and the multiple festivals across the state. Perhaps the most notable Fourth of July celebration is in Seward with the Mount Marathon Race. This is the 97th running of the race, which is 3.1 miles but goes straight up and (mostly) straight down Mount Marathon. The race has its origins when two men debated the possibility of climbing and descending the mountain in less than an hour. “Impossible” one said... For a more laid-back experience, consider going to Seldovia for its Fourth of July celebration. Keep in mind that the ferry to Seldovia gets booked fast. The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast, features a parade and ends with live music ... The City of Nome also has a legendary Independence Day celebration. It also has a parade, various bike-related contests, and patriotic spirit. ... If you’re looking for things to do after the Fourth of July, consider attending a free public science talk at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, 101 Dunkel St., in downtown Fairbanks. Explore Alaska and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute have partnered to host a series. In July, the talk is at 11:30 a.m. and it’s about seismology in Alaska and on Venus, Bryant Chow, an assistant professor of seismology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks ... If live music is what you’re after, look no further than Cordova for Salmon Jam, July 18-19. The music festival is the annual fundraiser for the Cordova Arts Council and proceeds from Salmon Jam help support year-round cultural and education activities in Cordova ... If it’s flowers you’re after, consider going to Homer during its Peony Festival, which stretches from July 1-Aug. 17. There are walking tours, art shows and farm visits (as there are more than two dozen peony farms in the region). https://www.homeralaska.org/events/homer-peony-celebration/ ... The Girdwood Forest Fair is always a family favorite. It runs July 4-6 and features a variety of musical acts, an arts and crafts fair, and delicious food. The fair famously bars dogs, politics and religious orders. The following weekend is the Bear Paw Festival in Chugiak. There are carnival rides, a parade, a classic car show, a teddy bear picnic, and a motorcycle show. It’s possible for every stripe of Alaskan to find something to savor about July.
Rambles is compiled from senior center newsletters, websites and reader tips from around the state. Email your Rambles items to Link Texteditor@seniorvoicealaska.com.
