The map shows the course of the GPS race in waters just out from Wrangell's main dock. The circuit will be one of five different races scheduled for July 4, allowing for a variety of vessels to compete for the first time in several decades.
An updated schedule for next month's Independence Day festivities was put out this week by Wrangell's Chamber of Commerce.
The big change in this year's lineup will be the return of boat racing, after a dry spell of nearly three decades.
Heading up the organization of that effort were Penny Allen and Clay Hammer, who with Jay Einert and John Waddington figured out what needed to be done to get the event back into the water. Routes have been plotted out, rules drawn up and insurance secured for the races, which so far will see five different classes of craft competing. Arrangements have been made with the United States Coast Guard to ensure safety for participants and spectators both.
"We're trying to make it as safe as we can," said Allen. The event was previously shelved after a serious mishap, but growing interest in recent years has prompted its return. "It's been a long time since we've had boat races, and it's been a big draw."
A full list of rules and events – which will include a GPS loop, jet boat slalom and straightaway race – can be found on the Chamber
website at http://www.wrangellchamber.org/2017-boat-races.html, along with registration details and times. Spectators are invited to watch from the main dock and surrounding shoreline the afternoon of July 4 at 3:30.
The first such race in a long time, Allen said the event committee will be looking for feedback to see what worked, what might be added, and
how to improve on the experience in future years.
"We tried to put in as much as we could. Eventually we want to start adding in more classes."
Also making waves will be the rescheduling of the fireworks display to July 3. With the Fourth falling on a Tuesday this year, the holiday's events will span out over a five-day extended weekend. At the request of the Volunteer Fire Department, the holiday's indispensable pyrotechnic display will be held that Monday evening starting at 11 p.m. and spill into early Tuesday morning.
Everything begins on Saturday, July 1, with a "color run" sponsored by the Wrangell Medical Center's long-term care program kicking off at 9:30 a.m. with sign-up an hour before. Participants are asked to wear a white shirt for the dousing.
A community market will take place at the Nolan Center from 10 a.m. to noon, coinciding with the start of the 3rd annual Red, White and
Blue Fair. Art exhibits need to be submitted by June 29th, with judging to take place the following day. The gallery will be open to the public Saturday and Monday.
Still on Saturday, children ages three to six can burn rubber at the city dock turnaround in the Big Wheel Races. Divided into classes of age and gender, the kids can compete for cash prizes.
July 2 will be another busy day, with the Tiny Tots Scrap Fish Derby held at the dockside summer floats for kids up to five years old. Starting at 11 a.m., participants are asked to bring their own bait, hand lines only. Prizes will be available for the young anglers. Just afterward, at 1 p.m.
slightly older children can compete in the Art Clark Scrap Fish Derby.
A "welcome home picnic" for visiting friends and family will be held at Shoemaker Park from 5 to 9 p.m., with a pudding pie eating contest to coincide. The Luke Shuman Band will begin its extended gig over the weekend with a show at Rayme's Bar at 9 p.m. The band will also play down at the dock ahead of Monday evening's firework display.
A number of tournaments and competitions mark Monday's festivities. A three-on-three basketball
tournament for middle and high schoolers will be held at the community center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. Firearms and ammo
will be provided at the gun range for a target competition at the firing range, also beginning at 10 a.m.
Back at the summer dock, the annual greased pole competition begins at 11 a.m., followed by canoe racing and the Crazy Craft Race at 1
and 3 p.m. A talent show featuring Wrangell's wearable artwork will take place at the Nolan Center at 6:30 p.m., followed by the biggest
competition of the weekend, with the 2017 Royal Court coronation at 8 p.m.
On July 4 itself, a slew of events take up its own page on the calendar, which is currently available online at the Chamber website. This
year's parade begins at 11 a.m., with the theme "Making Waves."
"'Making Waves' is honoring our bringing back the boat races," Chamber executive director Cyni Crary explained. An armada of floats will be assembled by various families, churches, business and groups, to gather on Campbell Drive at 9:30 a.m.
The Royalty ticket drawing will take place in front of the Nolan Center after the parade, with first through fourth prizes garnering $5,000, $4,000, $3,000 and $2,000 this year. Meanwhile, a variety of food items, rides, street games and the Chuck Oliver Logging Show will fill out the day, followed by the Sonny Wigg Log Rolling at 5 p.m. and the annual street dance at 8 p.m.
Finally, ending the weekend on July 5 will be a welcome potluck and picnic for Wrangell's retired teachers and staff at Shoemaker Park, from 1 to 4 p.m. Everyone's invited to bring a dish and say hello to a former teacher.
Reader Comments(0)