Alaska Day! {Sitka Alaska Photographer}

Alaska Day is October 18th; it celebrates the day when Alaska became a U.S. territory.
Sitka is the main place to celebrate this unique holiday because the official transfer of the (then) territory took place on top of Castle Hill in downtown Sitka, way back on October 18, 1867.
Alaskans re-enact this transfer from Russia every year after the parade.
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The Blackhawk helicopters and Coast Guard Rescue Helicopters flew above the parade; it is such an exciting feeling!

The Alaska Day Parade is bigger than the July 4th parade.

Happy 50th Birthday, Alaska! 1959 (statehood)-2009. The kids around squealed with excitement with this big Alaska Airlines balloon (the first big balloon ever in a parade here!) The Army band played a concert the night before . . . they are great!

Here's to my Physical Therapist friends (and sis Bridget!) . . . showing off their skeletons.

The Sitka High School band was awesome; and their Xtra Tuffs were awesome, too.

The Keystone Cops and Dog Sled Divas kept everyone in line!

My friend, Christi is a volunteer firefighter.
Then, waiting for the re-enactment ceremony to start while munching on candy from the parade.

Lots of Army soldiers in town to help celebrate.

Taking down the Russian flag . . . and raising the United States one. Then, the Russian General and United States General exchange pleasantries {and the giant Alaskan territory}!

One of the great hats of the time.

Governor Sean Parnell (he took over from Sarah Palin this past July) . . . spoke to us and encouraged us to keep celebrating Alaska Day and it's significance in history. He was impressed with the Sitka parade!

Right after the transfer ceremony, the Coast Guard performed a rescue demonstration. They train fervently to do this. The Alaskan waters are NOT friendly. Very cool to watch and to appreciate their service to country and to the safety of all.