Alaska Day

Today was a unique state holiday. In Utah we got Pioneer Day off in July... Here we get Alaska Day in October... It also would have been Lori's Mom's 75th birthday. Not only did I get today off as a paid holiday, but the kids got out of school early... and it didn't rain much.

On 18 October 1867 the territory of Alaska became part of the United States of America when the Russian representative turned ownership over to the U.S. on Castle Hill here in Sitka. The rest of the state doesn't do much with the holiday, but here it is a big deal. There is the parade downtown, the reenactment of the exchange on Castle Hill, booths, games and over a week's time several events. Last night was a Ball where people dress in period dress. They have a beard contest and some musical events.

Lori was sad to miss it as this was our first, but Anneka is benefiting from her being in Utah.