News Release
Get Down, Downtown! During “We’re In Weekend”: Local and National Artists Part of Diverse Performances in Honor of 50th Anniversary of Statehood
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – June 10, 2008 – Don that poodle skirt, Doll! Slick back that pompadour, Dad-io, and get ready to tap your toes to the beat because downtown Anchorage, Alaska is taking visitors and residents on a trip back to the fabulous fifties during We’re in Weekend’s 50th On Fourth, June 28, 2008, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“Folks are definitely going to want to head downtown for this mammoth celebration of the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood,” says Cheri Spink, marketing director of Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. “ Hula hoops, face painters, jugglers, Alaska Native dancers and tunes from the 50’s, plus - the Firefighters Challenge. It’s music, magic and mayhem during50th on Fourth!”
Four stages will feature some of Alaska’s finest musicians and performers in a full day of free family entertainment.
Performers scheduled to appear include: national bluegrass group, Barefoot; local Latin sensation Hector Ortiz and El Combo Tropical; children’s favorites the Carhartt Brothers, Fiddle Dee Dee, and Al Levy; lauded local performing arts group Theatre Artist United ; hip-hop’s freshest troupe The Underground Dance Company ; hula hoop whiz Jessica Joy; and juggling dynamo Jim Kerr.
“Get ready for a high-energy performance,” says Steven Alvarez, music director for Theatre Artists United (TAU). “We are thrilled to perform as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration. This is such a special time for our city and state and our performance is TAU’s way of saying happy birthday AK!”
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:
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
