Wednesday,
September 30

Noon

Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. Program features Alaska Day Committee members and Festival highlights. At Westmark Sitka. Contact 747-8604.

October 5-17

6 – 8 pm

Chamber After Hours Reception.  Hosted by Alaska Airlines.  At Westmark Sitka.  Door prize.  Contact 747-8604.

10 am

Kaisei Maru Memorial Ceremony at Sealing Cove Harbor shelter, followed by 11 a.m. reception and display at Centennial Hall, and 6:30 p.m. “The Story of the Kaisei Maru” by Sitka Historical Society.  747-6455

Saturday, October 10

7:00- 9:30 pm

1 pm

Alaska Day Biathlon (running/shooting event) at north end of Halibut Point Road.  Sponsored by Sitka Sportsman’s Association.  Mandatory pre-race safety clinic at 1:00 p.m.  Race begins at 2:00 p.m.  $15 fee includes use of equipment, safety clinic, awards, and refreshments.  Age 14 or older.  Beginners welcome,  Contests for individuals and teams of 4.  Contact Foy Nevers, 747-3469

4 pm

Prose writing contest adult essays readings at Kettleson Memorial Library.  Sponsored by Write Women of Sitka.  Contact Rose Manning, 747-5157.

7 pm

Sitka Historical Society and Museum Annual Meeting.  Mary Mangusson, Historian at University of Alaska – Fairbanks and co-editor of An Alaskan Anthology: Interpreting the Past, speaks about Anthony J. “Tony” Dimond, Alaska’s delegate to Congress 1933-1945 and a major initiator of Statehood, and what this road to statehood has meant for Alaskans.  Also speaking: Vic Fischer, Alaska Constitutional Convention delegate, and his important role in creating Alaska’s Constitution.  Special exhibit “Creating Alaska: Origins of the 49th State” opens at 6:00 p.m.   Public is invited.  Refreshments.  At Centennial Hall.  Contact Bob Medinger or Ashley Kircher, 747-6455.

Monday,
October 12
- 17

10 am - 4 pm

“Creating Alaska: Origins of the 49th State” Traveling Exhibit by Alaska State Museum.  At Centennial Hall.  Contact Sitka Historical Museum, 747-6455.

TBA

Various activities and programs include Native dance performances, stories from Alaska’s past including achieving Statehood, judging of men’s beards and women’s bonnets, events and receptions at museums and churches, historic site tours, food sales, displays by Alaska Army National Guard. 

Noon

Informal gathering with Mary Mangusso, Historian at University of Alaska – Fairbanks, and Vic Fischer, Alaska Constitutional Convention delegate, with focus on Alaska’s achieving Statehood.
Special exhibit “Creating Alaska: Origins of the 49th State”.  Brown bag lunch.  Beverages provided.  At Centennial Hall.  Contact Bob Medinger or Ashley Kircher at Sitka Historical Society and Museum, 747-6455.

Tuesday, October 13

TBA

 Military guests begin arriving from U.S. Army 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion stationed at FortRichardson near Anchorage.  Military liaison MaryLou Vilandre, 747-8086 or 738-1551.

7 pm

Variety Show of entertainment and vignettes from Alaska’s past.  Writing contest essay readings.  Judging of men’s beards (Sitka Emblem Club #142) and women’s bonnets (Sitka Elks Lodge #1662).  At Centennial Hall.  Admission $3.  Coordinated by Elaine Strelow, 747-3469.

Wednesday, October 14

8 am to Noon

History Review and Re-enactments for 4th Graders from KeetGooshiHeenElementary School.  Contact Jan Love, 966-1229.

TBA

Alaska Army National Guard soldiers begin arriving for senior leaders conference and training mission.

Noon

Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.  Program on Alaska Statehood. At Westmark Sitka.  Contact 747-8604.

11 am-1 pm

Open House at Starrigavan Creek Cabin.  Hosted by Sitka Ranger District, Tongass National Forest.  Contact Sandy Russell,
747-4216

Noon

Swan Lake Senior Center special luncheon with Cornish game hens.  At 402 Lake Street.  Reservations required.  $4 suggested donation for seniors 60+, $8 for all others.  Contact Anna Winters, 747-8617.

5:30 pm

Seattle Firefighters Pipe Band members arrive on Alaska Airlines.  Contact John Santi, 747-5464.

7 pm

“The Glaciers of Southeast Alaska: Ice Loss, Glacier Rebound, and Sea Level Rise”, natural history program by Dr. Roman Motyka.  At University of Alaska – Southeast Sitka campus.  Contact Kitty LaBounty 747-9432 or 738-0174.

9 am-
6 pm

Food booths and other sales by service organizations at Crescent Harbor Shelter.  Coordinated by Elaine Strelow, 747-3469

11 am-1 pm

Open House at Starrigavan Creek Cabin.  Hosted by Sitka Ranger District, Tongass National Forest.  Contact Sandy Russell,
747-4216

11 am- 9 pm

Lunch and Dinner served at American Legion on Lincoln Street.  Fish & chips, hamburgers, Primo specials, and oriental dishes. 
Phone orders to go.  Karaoke starts at 8:30 p.m. Contact Lou Primacio, 747-8629.

7 pm

9th Army Band Concert of varied musical styles from military marches to pop rhythms.  At Centennial Hall.  Free of charge.  Contact military liaison MaryLou Vilandre, 747-8086 or 738-1551.

8 am

Road Race (29th annual event) begins at U.S. Coast Guard Gazebo off Airport Road and return.  7-mile course for runners or 2.5 mile fun run.  Registration 7:15-7:45 a.m. on race day.  Fee $10 to receive tee shirt, or $3 for button.  Refreshments.  Coordinated by U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team and USCG Air Station Sitka.  Contact Boatswains Mate Second Class Alan Dumville at 966-5415.

8 – 11 am

Sourdough pancakes, bacon and eggs fundraiser for Sheetka Kwaan Dancers.  $7.  At Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall on Katlian Street.  Contact George Jackson, 738-4604.

9 am-
6 pm

Food booths and other sales by service organizations at Crescent Harbor Shelter.  Coordinated by Elaine Strelow, 747-3469

10 am – 4 pm

The Russian Bishops’ House open for tours with Sitka National Historical Park rangers.  Russian tea served.  Free of charge.  Contact Clarence Wadkins, 747-0132.

10 am – 4 pm

Sitka National Historical Park scavenger hunt in Visitor’s Center.

11 am – 2 pm

Seafood Chowder and Fry Bread fundraiser for Sheetka Kwaan Dancers.  $7.  At Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall on Katlian Street.  Contact George Jackson, 738-4604.

11 am

Kayak Races at SwanLake.  Cash prizes for various age divisions. Safety gear and personnel, 2-person kayaks all provided by Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures.  Fee $5 per person.  Contact Tim Fulton, 747-3776 or 738-0740.

11 am-3 pm

Open House, Fly-in, and Marine Safety Fair at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station.  Displays for children and adults offered in conjunction with other local emergency service providers,  Visiting air craft.  Contact LT Nate Hudson, 966-5560, or
LT Josh Tabor, 966-5613.

11 am-
1 pm

Open House at Starrigavan Creek Cabin.  Hosted by Sitka Ranger District, Tongass National Forest.  Contact Sandy Russell,
747-4216

12 – 1 pm

Children’s games from the past at Russian Bishop’s House.  Contact Clarence Wadkins, 747-0132.

1:15 pm

Alaska Ferry Taku arrives with members of Juneau Shrine Club and Stroller White Pipes and Drums.

2 pm

Alaska Exchange Performance including guest artists Japanese violinist Megumi Fujita, Juneau violinist Steve Tada, and Juneau Lyric Opera’s vocalists Kathleen and Dan Wayne; plus Sitniks, New Archangel Dancers, Suzuki Strings, and Sitka High School choir and jazz band.  At SitkaHigh School Performing ArtsCenter.  Admission $10.  Coordinated by Kris Fulton, 738-3103

2 – 4 pm

Open House at Sitka Sound Science Center on Lincoln Street.  Aquarium and hatchery tours.  Hosted by Sheldon Jackson volunteers-in-mission and friends.  Contact Judy Ozment, 966-2231 or 738-0930.

7 pm

Alaska Day Ball seating opens. Dance music by 9th Army Band starts at 8:00 p.m. Period costume promenade and Native regalia display at 9:30 p.m. Awards. Door prizes by Alaska Airlines and others. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar. Adults over 21 only. Period dress, regalia or semi-formal. At Centennial Hall. Admission $20. Coordinated by Betty Conklin, 966-2281, assisted by Helen Cunningham, 747-6738.

9 am – Noon,
2 - 4 pm

The Russian Bishops’ House open for tours with Sitka National Historical Park rangers.  Russian tea served starting 11 a.m.  Free of charge.  Contact Clarence Wadkins, 747-0132.

9 am-6 pm

Food booths and other sales by service organizations at Crescent Harbor Shelter.  Coordinated by Elaine Strelow, 747-3469

10 am – 4 pm

Sitka National Historical Park scavenger hunt in Visitor’s Center.

11 – Noon

Children’s games from the past at Russian Bishop’s House.  Contact Clarence Wadkins, 747-0132.

11 am-2 pm

Fish Pie Luncheon at St. Michael’s Cathedral.  747-8120.

Pie sale and community fellowship at Sitka Lutheran Church, 224 Lincoln St.  Contact 747-3338.

11 am- 7 pm

Lunch and Dinner served at American Legion on Lincoln Street.  Fish & chips, hamburgers, Primo specials, and oriental dishes. 
Phone orders to go.  Contact Lou Primacio, 747-8629.

Alaska’s Birthday Cake served by Sitka Emblem Club #142 at O’Connell Bridge visitors facility.
Contact Judi Blankenship, 738-6326.

Transfer Ceremony 1867 Commemoration on Castle Hill. Lowering of Russian Flag and Raising of American Flag. Roll Call of States as admitted to the Union. Raising of Alaska Flag. Ceremonial music by 9th Army Band.
Coordinated by Steve Dalquist, 747-4835 or 747-1001, and
Ron Conklin, 966-2281 or 747-3913.

2 – 4 pm

Open House at Brave Heart Volunteers (home visiting and respite services).  Information offered.  Soups, bread, and dessert sold as fundraiser.  At Manager’s House next to Sitka Pioneers’ Home,  Contact Willow or Shanna, 747-4600.

2 – 4 pm

Open House at Mt. Edgecumbe Preschool next to Sitka Pioneers’ Home.  Birthday celebration cake decorating for children.  Contact Lori at 966-2675.

5 pm

Pipe Band performance with Sitka Spruce Scottish Highland Dancers, Seattle Firefighters Pipe Band, and Stroller White Pipes and Drums (Juneau).  At Centennial Hall.  Donations accepted.  Contact Kris Fulton,  738-3103.

5:30 pm

Pig Roast Dinner at Elks Club, 412 Sawmill Creek Road.
Elks Lodge and Emblem Club visiting dignitaries.  For Elks members and invited guests. 
Contact Jon E. Shennett, 747-3511.

6 pm

Sheldon Jackson Volunteers & Friends Reunion Dinner at Sea Mountain Golf Restaurant, 301 Granite Creek Road. 
Contact Judy Ozment, 966-2231 or 738-0930.

6:30 pm

Slave Auction to benefit Breast Cancer/Cancer Survivors Society.  At Pioneer Bar on Katlian Street.  Contact Rita, 747-3456.

11:30 am

Seattle Firefighters Pipe Band members leave on Alaska Airlines.  Contact John Santi, 747-5464.

4 pm

Alaska Ferry Malaspina leaves with members of Juneau Shrine Club and Stroller White Pipes and Drums.