Whizzoh! We’re (More than) Halfway There!

Hey there! I cannot believe that I have already completed more than five weeks at my internship here at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum! Towards the end of my fifth week, I was able experience the festivities revolved around Independence Day. I hope everyone had a splendid Fourth of July!

(all photos credit: Priscilla Ly)

I certainly did. Independence Day is a big deal here in Juneau and Douglas. At 11:59 pm on July 3rd, the fireworks show begins to welcome in the holiday. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend the evening with a coworker and her family (Hi Margie, Peter, Calder, and Lily!) waiting in anticipation of and watching the fireworks show. As we headed out to the dock to wait for the show to begin, we passed by many excited people (Hello to the young lad decked in red, white, and blue, carrying the American flag, and chanting “U.S.A!”). All around the channel, people seemed to be setting off their own fireworks, adding to the splendor of the actual show. Surrounded by the mountains, the echo of the fireworks added to the thrill of the experience (and helped in keeping me awake).

Of course, I cannot forget about the various events that took place during the day, as well! I spent the day with Jodi, the museum’s Curator of Collections and Exhibits wandering about Douglas partaking in the different festivities. Our day started with the spectating of a parade, watching numerous floats created by businesses and organizations go by tossing candy out to children. After the parade, we headed down to Savikko Park to see the Sandcastle Building Contest, Medieval Sword Fighting Performance, Dog Frisbee Contest, Soapbox Derby, as well as the tail end of the Olde Time Firemen’s Hose Race! My day off was certainly a fun-filled one!