News Release
Anchorage Goes Back to the Future for 50th Anniversary Kick-off: Alaska’s Largest City Recreates 1950’s Downtown During 50th On Fourth Celebration
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – June 10, 2008 – Fuel up the flux capacitor in the De Lorean and get ready to blast into 50 year’s of Alaska’s past during We’re In Weekend’s 50th on Fourth celebration, June 28, 2008, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m, in Anchorage, Alaska.
We’re In Weekend commemorates the Anchorage Times headline “WE’RE IN” that appeared on the paper’s front page, June 30, 1958 - the day the United States Congress gave their stamp of approval to Alaska’s bid for statehood.
In honor of that momentous day, Anchorage’s 50th On Fourth is rolling back the calendar and pulling out all the stops for a retro downtown extravaganza.
During Anchorage’s 50th On Fourth, June 28, 2008, visitors and residents will travel back in time to the fabulous fifties during a day filled with fantastic music, phenomenal feats of strength and historic tours from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Blue and gold bunting and antique cars will line Anchorage’s historic Fourth Avenue, creating the look and feel of 50’s Alaska. Four stages (the Children’s Stage, Alaska Diversity Stage, the 50’s Main Stage and the Red, White & Bluegrass Stage) will feature local and national headlining family entertainment. Fourth Avenue shop owners will create a multi-block open air marketplace starring Alaskan fare, and street performers will entertain festival goers as they take in the sites and sounds of the city’s celebration.
At 10 a.m., between E & F Streets, the Firefighters Combat Challenge will showcase the talents, skills and athleticism of America’s firefighter heroes in a thrilling sports competition simulating the essential skills of firefighting. Participants will scale a five story tower in full gear, drag and hoist fire hoses, and race around obstacles in this fast paced, fun-filled, family event.
Then, at Noon, special guests will participate in a historic reenactment of the hanging of the 49th star on the American flag at Anchorage’s old Federal Court building on the corner of G and Fourth.
We’re In Weekend offers a multitude of itinerary options filled with history, culture and Alaska-sized excitement for both in-state and out-of-state travelers, making the kick-off of the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood a perfect time to visit Anchorage’s Big.Wild.Life™. Travel deals for every budget abound during the 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood. Explore www.Anchorage.net/50 to book an adventure into the history of the Last Frontier.
We’re In Weekend is sponsored by the Anchorage Statehood Celebration and the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) in cooperation with the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd.
Other We’re In Weekend Events:
The midnight sun just might be outshined when country music diva Wynonna Judd rocks a capacity crowd of an anticipated 75,000 during "Alaska’s 50th Anniversary Concert for the Military," Alaska’s Concert for the Military – the kick-off event of Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood Celebration – during We’re In Weekend June 27, 2008, on Anchorage’s Elmendorf Air Force Base.
In addition to the thousands of people who will enjoy the event live, more than one million servicemen and women, and their families, around the world will view this concert gift from Alaska in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Alaska statehood.
We’re In Weekend also includes the roar of engines 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.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Anchorage Civic and Convention Center construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
Media Contacts:
Shelly Wozniak
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
swozinak@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Cheri Spink
Marketing & Development Director
Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd.
(907)279-5655 direct
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
pr@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Explore www.Anchorage.net
