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This great state was once owned by Russia, but on Oct. 18, 1867 that changed on Castle Hill in Sitka. The United States purchased Alaska, which later became the 49th state in the country. Every year, the Alaska Day Festival commemorates the occasion with a week of memorable events.
The week of celebration includes:
• Reenactment ceremony
• Period costume ball
• Dances
• Special dinners
• Contests
• Parade
• Panel discussions
• Special guests
• Sea kayak races
• Running races
• Variety show
• Workshops
• First responder visits
Even Alaska Airlines joins in the fun by greeting passengers during the week leading up to Oct. 18 in historic dress.
– Rebecca Hastings, The Alaska 100