Fourth of July schedule includes returning and new events

The fun is returning with four days full of games, music, food, booms, pops, pows and wows. In addition to all the popular events held at last year's Fourth of July celebration, six more have been included in the schedule after being on hiatus for a couple years, and three new events have been added.

For a full schedule of events for Friday through Monday, see Pages 8 and 9.

Returning favorites include the fireworks show Sunday evening, Monday's parade, Saturday's fish derbies and several watercraft races on Sunday and Monday that will feature canoes, powerboats and an assortment of anything that floats. The wiener toss will be back, too, on Sunday evening, after a successful debut last year.

Log-rolling is scheduled for Sunday, with the popular logging show on Monday.

Events coming back after a few years away are the Fourth of July quilt show which runs through July 12, the Welcome Home Picnic on Friday, live music Friday and Saturday evenings featuring Leon J and Kirk Garbisch (with a music history showcase and concert featuring both musicians), street games, a street dance and a wearable art event combined with the talent show on Sunday.

New this year are a car show and "Pie a Public Servant" on Saturday, and the Randy Littletown Golf Tournament at Muskeg Meadows on Sunday. Proceeds from the pie-throwing will go toward music programs at the schools, said coordinator Ellen Jellum.

Independence Day on the island has gained a lot of attention over the years.

"Wrangell is known nationwide for its epic, weeklong July 4th celebration," said Brittani Robbins, executive director of the chamber of commerce. "In fact, when I was young it lasted a full week with events like bed races down the streets, soap box races, and many other things that insurance no longer covers."

Robbins said she can remember Wrangell being featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine for its Fourth of July celebrations when she was a teen. "People travel here from all over the country just to be a part of what we do."

The Elks Lodge is hosting a beer garden like it did before, but it's holding it for two days instead of one on Sunday and Monday. It will include a horseshoe competition and dinners.

Street games on Monday include running, gunny sack and three-legged races, with cash prizes.

Robbins said she couldn't predict how many people would turn out for all the events. However, with a few visiting cruise ships over the holiday weekend, more people are sure to join in the fun.