While Wrangell is well known for its Fourth of July celebration, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the community's plans for Independence Day. While many popular and traditional events will not take place this year, such as the boat races or royalty contest, the public can still look forward to a fireworks show and parade.
"Chamber leadership has weighed input from business membership and members of the community along with State and Local public officials," a community notice from the Chamber reads. "Overwhelmingly amongst all groups, the safety and wellbeing of our community has been the number one priority."
Fireworks will take place tomorrow, July 3, at the baseball fields. There were no fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July last year, as the community and much of Southeast Alaska was undergoing a drought. There has also been some controversy around the location of the fireworks. Traditionally, Wrangell has launched fireworks at City Dock. However, the dock no longer meets safety guidelines to permit fireworks, as many buildings are close by. The baseball fields at Volunteer Park, however, are far enough away from the rest of town to be safe.
Fireworks will begin around 11 p.m., according to the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce. The public is encouraged to come out to watch the show, but everybody is asked to socially distance to avoid any spread of COVID-19.
Following the fireworks, on the Fourth of July itself, a parade will go through town. This year, the parade route has been extended to go past Long Term Care, at the Wrangell Medical Center, so they can still enjoy the parade without risking contact with anyone with COVID-19. The parade will begin along Bennett Street. Floats will be lined up near the senior
apartments, while everyone else in their vehicles will line up by the covered area at Volunteer Park. The parade will go down Bennett Street, Church Street, down and around the Campbell Street loop, down Front Street, and conclude at the Nolan Center. Everybody participating in the parade will be in vehicles this year, to make sure participants are socially distanced. Participants are also asked to not throw any candy or objects to viewers this year. Judging for the parade contest, for best float, vehicle, and other categories will begin at 10:30 a.m. The parade will begin at 11 a.m.
The chamber of commerce is still selling raffle tickets this year, as well. Proceeds from the raffle tickets will go towards funding the 2021 Independence Day celebration. Stephanie Cook, with the chamber, said that tickets are available until noon on July 3. Cook said that tickets are available at the chamber office, or from any chamber board member. Winners will be announced shortly after the parade on July 4. First prize for the raffle contest will be 15 percent of ticket sales, while second and third place will receive 10 and 5 percent, respectively.
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