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News Release

Alaska 50th Anniversary of Statehood Gala

Anchorage, Alaska - Dec. 20, 2008 – Dignitaries and Alaskans from all over the state will come together in style on the eve of Alaska’s Golden Anniversary, Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, for a formal gala event celebrating 50 years of Statehood, in the new Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage.

Approximately 2000 guests will view oversized photo montages featuring historical events including the people and places that helped with Alaska’s inception as the 49th state. Attendees will also be treated to extraordinary entertainment from all over the state including the Anchorage Symphony orchestra and the Anchorage Concert Chorus, notable Alaska Native dancers, opera singers from around the state, the Sitka New Archangel Dancers and many more.

Special addresses will be made by Mayor Mark Begich, Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Lisa Murkowski with presentations including a salute to Alaskan Olympians, and a special announcement by Alaska Airlines. KTUU will televise the Gala event live on channel 2.

The event will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 8 p.m.

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (ACVB) mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by lodging associations. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund, a contribution established in 1978, and one-third goes to the construction and annual maintenance costs of the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center and the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. Explore www.Anchorage.net for more information.

Media Contacts:

Jeanette Anderson Moores
Public Relations
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
jmoores@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Explore www.Anchorage.net