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Celebrate The 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood!

Anchorage is a place of wild abundance with a rich history! The 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood provides travelers with unique, culturally infused itinerary options and amazing events. Big. Wild Life.™

ALASKA HISTORY WALK: A JOURNEY OF STATEHOOD 1867 – 2009

Fact Sheet – Oct. 17, 2008

We’re In - ACVB Showcases Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood in Rose Parade

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) in conjunction with partners across the state, will highlight Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood with a spectacular floral float during the premier, pre-game event of collegiate football season – the Tournament of Roses Parade - slated for Jan. 1, 2009, in Pasadena, Calif.

News Release – Aug. 21, 2008

"Legacy of Alaska"
A historic print commemorating Alaska's 50 Years of Statehood, hand signed by each of Alaska's eight living Governors. The sale of this giclée print, with Mt. McKinley by Alaska's most famous master artist, Sydney Laurence, is a fundraiser for Alaska's 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Additional Ways to Celebrate/Participate:

• Were you here during Alaska's fight for statehood? Was your business around back then? Email your "I Was Here" story to pr@anchorage.net

• Order your Statehood License Plate at www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/ADMIN/dmv/dmvhome.htm

Past Events

August 2008 – Concert dedicated to the 50th by the Band of the Pacific

August 21-September 1, 2008 – Mammoth vegetable, world-class entertainment and fun for the whole family at the Alaska State Fair! Showcasing the best of the Great Land, the Alaska State Fair celebrates 50 years of Statehood during 12 days of festivities. Come and enjoy all that the Alaska State Fair has to offer. www.alaskastatefair.org

September 2008 – Event will be established to release and showcase the 50th Anniversary U.S. Postal Stamp and U.S. Mint Quarter. Anchorage School District will begin their project.

• June 27, 2008 – Wynonna Judd to perform in FREE concert at Elmendorf
  NNashville's most recognizable redhead lands in Anchorage to kick off the Anchorage Statehood Celebration "We're in Weekend" festivities as part of Alaska's 50th Anniversary of Statehood. Don't miss Alaska's 50th Anniversary Concert for the Military. Free Parking: get details and see schedule >>
  View Flyer >>

• June 28-29, 2008 – “We’re In Weekend”
  We’re In Weekend commemorates the Anchorage Times headline “WE’RE IN” that appeared on the front page of the Anchorage paper on June 30, 1958 - the day the United States Congress gave their stamp of approval to Alaska’s bid for statehood. Four stages will feature some of Alaska’s finest musicians and performers in a full day of free family entertainment during We’re in Weekend’s 50th On Fourth, June 28, 2008, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The 5th Avenue Garage is free to the public on June 28, 2008. details >>

• June 28-29, 2008 – Arctic Thunder Air Show
  We’re In Weekend includes the roar of engines and the crowd during the Arctic Thunder Air Show at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage. Arctic Thunder will celebrate Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood with the Air Force Thunderbirds diving and spinning their way through the sky, a special appearance by the Wings of Blue Parachute Team, the fast and furious Air Force Reserve jet car and numerous civilian and military aerial acts.