Fairbanks community prepares Independence Day events, tourists expected

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - In a June 17 article, AAA named both Fairbanks and Anchorage among the top 10 domestic destinations for U.S. travelers over the Independence Day weekend.

In response to the article, Scott McCrea, President and CEO of tourism facilitator Explore Fairbanks, said he is excited to see two Alaskan cities making the list.

According to McCrea, Fairbanks has seen positive tourism numbers so far during the summer season.

“We’re entering that peak time, so entering into July and mid-August is kind of the peak of the summer season, but by and large, what we’ve seen in June, some pretty good numbers so far,” he explained.

In addition to its summer-long attractions, the Golden Heart community is getting ready for a variety of events celebrating the national holiday, as well as the country’s 250th anniversary, or semi quincentennial.

“The Fairbanks North Star Borough has always done a wonderful job of celebrating the 4th of July,” McCrea said, mentioning the annual parades in North Pole and Ester, both taking place on Saturday this year.

“Then over at Pioneer Park, they’re going to have a celebration throughout the day too, starting at 11 a.m.,” he added, saying of the events, “They’re all different in personality and flavor, but at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating this great country that we live in.”

As far as 250th anniversary festivities, McCrea said, “Fairbanks seem to be leading the way as far as events that are transpiring and celebrating this monumental moment in America’s history, our 250th birthday.”

A Saturday ceremony at Growden Park before the evening’s Alaska Goldpanners baseball game is scheduled to include appearances from two former Major League players, the unveiling of two 60-foot flags, and a military flyover.

McCrea added, “Next week, July 8th, the City of Fairbanks is hosting a special America 250 Alaska event outside City Hall throughout the day... there’s going to be a national reading at that time of the Declaration of Independence.”

The annual Golden Days Parade will also feature America 250 as its theme, according to McCrea.

Meanwhile, the City of Fairbanks has undergone efforts to revitalize downtown this summer, including installing a Chena River dock at Golden Heart Plaza, opening chalets for small businesses at the site formerly occupied by the now-demolished Polaris Building, and painting the sidewalks around 1st and 2nd Avenue.

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