Contact:  Darl Schaaf
279-0700

Celebrate the Price of Freedom Downtown this July 4th
Sadler’s Ultra Challenge hand cycle race finish during the afternoon;
National Veteran’s Wheelchair Games participants in parade; hand cycle races on parade route

Anchorage, June 29 – Celebrate the “Price of Freedom” during Anchorage’s July 4th Celebration this year by coming downtown Tuesday, July 4th. Between 8 AM and 6 PM the Anchorage July 4th committee is planning its traditional pancake breakfast, parade and picnic. This year the participants in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games will kick off the parade, and the hand cycle races take place in the afternoon along the parade route. Also, in the afternoon, the athletes from the Sadler’s Ultra Challenge will complete their race from Fairbanks to Anchorage with a finish on 9th Avenue at 3:30. The schedule includes the traditional Anchorage patriotic celebrations, cultural showcases, family activities and the chance to give a little something back to Anchorage. Three stages of entertainment feature a variety of local artists and this year noted ukulele musician Kimo Hussey and California band “Planting Seeds.”

“Working with the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and Sadler’s Ultra Challenge participants made us realize the “price of freedom” makes a terrific theme for this year’s event. These athletes have given so much so that we have the freedoms we enjoy today. We hope Anchorage will join us in saluting them and their cohorts in the military,” explained Darl Schaaff, event organizer. “Spend the day downtown as there’s a lot going on to keep folks busy and to give you the chance to give back and say thanks.”
The day begins with a Park Strip pancake breakfast benefiting The Salvation Army’s homeless programs. The $5 tickets will be available at the event which has generated nearly $30,000 for homeless programs over its four year history Sponsored by Totem Ocean Trailer Express with help a variety of companies who provide food, all proceeds go directly to community needs.

The downtown parade starts at 11:00 and offers the chance to salute local military and enjoy the area’s diverse cultures. The 600 athletes in Anchorage for the Games will start the parade followed by the annual veteran’s parade leads the community parade. Community entries include a variety of Anchorage’s international cultures and the third appearance of Anchorage’s community band. National Veterans Wheelchair Games 2005 Spirit of the Games winner Orlando Perez will serve as parade Grand Marshal, representing his fellow athletes and all those who’ve paid a price for our freedom.

Convention center construction in downtown necessitated a new parade route so this year’s parade runs along 9th Avenue to E Street and then along 6th Avenue to K before turning back to 9th.
During an afternoon picnic at the Park Strip, residents can gather to relax and enjoy musical entertainment, food and games. Representatives from several ethnic groups will entertain from the new “Meet the World” stage surrounded by food and   crafts booths depicting their nation’s particular expertise. Equipment from the area’s military bases, the fire and police departments will be on display alongside experts ready and willing to explain the inner workings to all in attendance.

Three stages of music will entertain visitors throughout the afternoon and The Imaginarium is transporting their programs to the Park Strip. Noted ukulele musician Kimo Hussey and his group, Loea from the Pacific Music Foundation, and California band, Planting Seeds, highlight this year’s three stages of entertainment. The US Air Force’s Alaska Brass and local groups like Soulman Sam and John Damberg’s Latin Jazz groups always draw crowds as well as Anchorage cultural dance groups. Additional artists include Jerry John’s rock and roll sound, the Underground Dance Company, Glenn Westdahl, Mountain Echo and Petty Cash as well as musical and dance groups from the Filipino, Mexican, Korean, Chinese, Samoan and Hawaiian communities.
The Harvard Club will read the Declaration of Independence in their 1776 period costumes on the west side of the flag pole beginning at 1 PM. National Veterans Wheelchair Games hand cycle races will occur on the parade route beginning at 2:30 in the afternoon followed shortly after by the completion of the Fairbanks to Anchorage hand cycle race, the Sadler’s Ultra Challenge. Residents are encouraged to salute these athletes by cheering them on during the competition.

Parking is free on downtown streets and in the 6th and H city garage. Diagonal parking will also be available on Fifth Avenue between F and K Streets. Additional downtown garages and lots will also be open. Or, avoid parking altogether and ride your bike and park it in the bike corral at 10th and I St. Celebrators are encouraged not to park on neighborhood streets and especially to be aware of residential parking regulations and driveways.

In its fifth year, the event brings more than 30,000 people downtown. Anchorage’s July 4th is organized by the Anchorage July 4th Committee with parade help from the Veteran’s Fourth of July Parade Committee. ConocoPhillips, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Cellular One, KTUU, the Municipality of Anchorage, AT&T Alascom, the Anchorage Downtown Partnership and other local companies who provide additionally sponsorship support.

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