Fourth of July - Pops and Bangs without Displays

4 July
11:00 AM

Sunset at	12:31 AM	in direction	341°	North-northwest
Sunrise at	3:20 AM	in direction	19°	North-northeast

Civil Twilight all day

So what do you do when you aren't planning a trip down to the local stadium or city park to watch 4th of July fireworks?  Ask any Alaskan and they have plenty of answers since it does not get dark enough to have firework displays in July.  A favorite of mine has been the all night dance party at friends of my children.

Although not as bright as solstice, there is still plenty of light.  You begin the party about 8 or 9 with food, silly games and competitions, then dancing and more eating and drinking take over.  The light goes dusky and just about the time you expect the light to fade and become dark, it does the opposite and begins to lighten up.  You greet the day tired, but invigorated from celebrating the wonder of Interior summers.  Lorien, Teresa, and Jamie, out on Minto Flats had their own version of that celebration, fishing for pike until 4 AM this morning.

Our neighbors to the north usually have a bonfire, music, and friends over.  This year, Steve is in Afghanistan for his company, his last gig before retiring, and I don't see tent canopies going up on the deck.  We are always free to wander over anytime an event is underway.  I look forward to him returning next year when we can get back into the celebratory mood, having him safely back in Alaska.

Each community has traditional events that start early in the day:  North Pole is visited by Santa, Fairbanks acknowledges its military, and Ester has its annual parade where bribes for the judges are encouraged ( Fourth of July traditions).  A fly by from the F-16s over Pioneer Park will be thrilling, especially in that we rallied as a community to let Congress know that we don't want to lose their presence from Eileson Air Base.  But, Ester, that hippie enclave of creative living, has the most entertaining approach where bribes for the judges are the norm.  According to the Daily News Miner, popular bribes last year were ice cream, radishes, and champagne service.

Different yes, but still a wonderful way to honor the founding of our nation.