Bearfest schedule of events

While many traditional events in Wrangell have been altered or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the public still gets to enjoy Bearfest this summer. Bearfest is an annual event in Wrangell, drawing in people near and far to celebrate one of Alaska's most well-known animals: Bears.

The week-long celebration kicked off yesterday, July 22, with an art workshop at the Nolan Center and an afternoon of native storytelling at the totem park. While the celebration will not be as big as usual because of the pandemic, there are many things people can look forward to this week.

One of the big events planned for the 2020 Bearfest is a symposium with Dr. Lance Craighead. This will take place at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, at the Nolan Center. Craighead will speak on black bears in Alaska, as well as the history of the Anan bear observatory.

Tomorrow evening, July 24, the Stikine Inn will host a dinner and an auction. According to the Bearfest website, Seattle chefs Brian McCracken and Nina Vicente will join Wrangell Chef Jake Harris to create a special meal "based on the abundant riches of SE Alaska's bounty of food." Along with the food, people can expect to enjoy an auction as well as music by Wrangellite Brooke Leslie and Tom Locher of Juneau. Seating is limited to 60 people, due to COVID-19. Tickets can be purchased at Alaska Vistas.

On the last day of Bearfest, Sunday, July 26, the Bearfest Marathon will kick off. An early start for the full marathon will be at 6 a.m., at the Nolan Center, followed by the regular start time for the full and half marathons at 8 a.m. The start time for a 5k will be at 8:30 a.m. A raffle drawing at the end of the marathon will take place at noon.

Besides these main events, there are numerous other activities for people to take part in. These include art and photography workshops, community markets, plant walks, and more.