News Release
Excitement Builds in Anchorage for Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood Celebrations
Anchorage, Alaska – June 22, 2009 – Alaska turns 50 this year and Anchorage is celebrating with events and discounts for everyone. In an effort to get more visitors to the party, several Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) member businesses are offering Alaska Statehood Celebration discounts. Examples include a free ride on the Alaska Railroad for those who happen to be turning 50 this year; discounts on hotel rooms and day trips; even discounts on coffee and gift items. See list of events below:
Alaska Statehood Celebration
June 27, 2009, downtown Anchorage
The party kicks off with a spectacular street fair to include street performers, an artist fair, antique car show, outdoor cafes and sidewalk sales, and a professional skateboard competition, to name a few. A children’s area features 1950’s science fun from the Imaginarium featuring Mr. Potato Head, silly putty, hula-hoops, and a giant sandbox.
Hero Games
June 27, 2009, downtown Anchorage
The centerpiece of the Alaska Statehood Celebration will be the "Hero Games," a fun competition between teams of five individuals represented by the police, troopers, each military branch, and fire department. The teams will compete throughout the day in a series of entertaining and challenging games including an obstacle course, a “rescue the cat” climb, a dummy-on-a-litter carry, a bucket brigade and a tricycle race, to name a few.
Anchorage July 4th Celebration, downtown Anchorage
Celebrate America’s birthday on July 4th in true Alaska style. Daylong activities feature a combination of patriotic celebrations, cultural showcases, a parade, picnic and family activities.
Hawaii Statehood Celebration
August 21 – 22, 2009, downtown Anchorage
As a part of Alaska’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Anchorage will join along in celebrating Hawaii’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood with music and dance from the Islands.
Cyrano’s Theatre Company – Alaskan Playwright Series
2009 – 2010
Cyrano’s Theatre Company celebrates 2009 with a tribute to the history and statehood of Alaska including five world premieres about Alaska by Alaskan playwrights and monthly special events.
Alaska Native Heritage Center – Alaska Statehood Exhibit
Now - 2010
This project includes an exhibit and Web site at the Alaska Native Heritage Center that will provide Alaskans with a view of the Statehood Act from an Alaska Native perspective, as it relates to the relationship between Alaska Native people and the land. Through these exhibits, visitors will be able to explore the facts of land ownership and learn about the unique Alaska Native attitudes and cultural understandings about the spiritual, physical, and legal relationship between people and the land of Alaska.
Anchorage Museum – Life in Alaska Leading to Statehood Exhibit
Now – Jan 3, 2009, Anchorage Museum
This new exhibition recreates the 1950s in Alaska through photographs and objects such as Anchorage High School yearbooks, statehood ballots, household goods, toys and advertisements. In addition to its nostalgic appeal, the exhibit contains information that may surprise even longtime Alaskans, such as John F. Kennedy’s visit to Alaska. History buffs and curious minds will appreciate this exhibit’s insight, while baby boomers and their families will delight in this trip down memory lane.
Explore http://www.anchorage.net/50 for more information on events and specials.
ACVB’s 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 to service the bond debt and operations of the Anchorage Convention Centers. 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
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