Juneau's Fourth of July Activities

 

Sometimes it does rain on your parade and this year was a case in point.  Despite many years of either clear, warm weather or just cloudy and overcast conditions on the 4th of July, this year in Juneau was exceptional, not despite the weather but because of it. 

The traditional fireworks display in Juneau, which is normally 'fired off' at midnight on July 3rd was postponed this year until July the 4th because of inclement weather.  There were roughly 736 shells in this years' display ranging from 2.5" to 10".  According to Gary Stambaugh of the fireworks display team, there weren't any 12" shells used this year but there were two 10" shells called a "Redfish" which were huge!   
The 4th of July parade was held in less than ideal conditions with scattered rain showers peppering the parade route, an unusual occurrence in Juneau but the parade went off on time and was the 'reverse' parade route.  The theme of this years parade was 'America's Kids' and the Grand Marshals for this years parade were Russadell Buzard, Nicole Nelson, and Anna Graceman.  As is usual, there were many funfilled activities in Douglas including the Sandcastle Challenge, Super Dog Frisbee contest, the Soapbox Challenge, live music, and many different food booths.  Princess Cruises and Holland America graciously offered free bus service between Juneau and Douglas to help alleviate the traffic snarl into and out of Douglas which seems some years to be as much a part of the traditions of the 4th of July as all the other activities.  

How would you rate this years Juneau/Douglas 4th of July activities and festivities?   

 

Juneau/Douglas 4th of July

Despite the weather and compared to previous years, how good were the 4th of July activities in Juneau and Douglas? The fireworks were great. The fireworks were fair. The fireworks were poor. The parade was great. The parade was fair. The parade was poor. The Douglas parade and activities were great. The Douglas parade and activities were fair. The Douglas parade and activities were poor. view results

         Last weeks poll question 

Wherefore art thou Romeo?

What is your opinion about Romeo's supposed disappearance? I think he met with foul play. (36) 8% Since no one knew his age, he could of died of natural causes. (23) 5% We did/didn't see Romeo near the Glacier and/but felt he was harmless. (4) 1% Romeo was a wild wolf and could have been dangerous. (54) 13% If he met with foul play, those responsible for his demise should be fully prosecuted. (210) 49% Romeo will live on as a part of Juneau history and lore. (39) 9% Other view suggestions (0) 0% Total Votes: 425