I know I’ve made it home when I step off the plane and a rush of cedar bark invades my senses. As I step onto the airport tarmac, I see the Stikine River and the tiniest airport terminal I have ever laid eyes on. I’ve returned for my annual summer vacation in Wrangell.
Once a small yet vibrant logging and fishing community which has long since diminished, leaving a population of roughly 2,000, what could make a town double in size for two weeks out of the year? That’s simple, the best Fourth of July celebration of my life.
The Fourth is the time when everyone who left Wrangell comes back home. No matter if your family has lived there for generations or if it’s your first time visiting via cruise ship, Wrangell is the place to feel connected during their Fourth of July festival.
There are enough activities for everyone to participate in like shooting contests, axe throwing, canoe racing, egg toss and golf tournaments to name a few. All are remarkable opportunities to expand social and mental well-being by participating in a festival.
Wrangell’s Fourth of July is a way for people new and old to explore a community, lift spirits and cultivate a sense of belonging. Even if you don’t hail from Alaska, the Wrangellites are guaranteed to make you feel at home.
Not convinced? Maybe I can persuade you by sharing a few of my favorite Fourth of July memories.
This past summer was my first time participating in the log-rolling competition. I was nervous when crowds swarmed the docks to watch. I feared falling into the bone-chilling cold water. However, it was exhilarating. The thrill of a new challenge and feeling of togetherness when cheering for people in between my rounds made this unforgettable.
However, if being active isn’t your thing, there are many other events to keep you involved.
For example, the wiener toss requires no skill, is accessible for all ages and guarantees a laugh. The rules are simple. Everyone pairs up and gets a couple of hot dogs. Each pair stands across from each other. One person will toss the wiener to their partner and the other will put their hands behind their back and try to catch it with their mouth. Many people are initially nervous or find it embarrassing, but once the wiener toss begins they are overtaken by amusement and even competitive spirit.
Fun fact, you can tell how competitive your great aunt is by how aggressively she lunges for a wiener face first.
Finally, if you are looking to relax with the whole family, one of the most captivating events is the fireworks show.
At the end of the night, everyone gathers by the dock. The summer heat vanishes, replaced by the cool crisp air of the night. The sky is clear with the shimmering radiance of the moon peaking above the mountains. The first fireworks ignite and their booms echo across the landscape.
The vibrant pinks, teals, greens and silvers whirl across the atmosphere. The fireworks keep building, bigger and bigger. The never-ending barrage of thunderous explosions creates blazes of light spiraling through the air. The rippling bursts dance around.
All in all, the Fourth of July isn’t just great because of the activities, but because it’s a supportive community. People get to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They feel belonging, inclusion, care free and elated being at home. Something as simple as being able to smell the cedar bark makes my summers in Wrangell not just great but magical because I know I’m home.
Presley Paulo-Sambito is a freshman at Jacksonville University in Florida.
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