The Hammer Museum’s annual Fourth of July spike-driving and nail-pounding competitions were a big success this year.
Thirty-two men and women stepped up to the spike, and like the Gandy-dancers of the past, each drove home an authentic piece of railroad steel. Haines’ Jason Verhamme won the men’s division and local kneader Josie Allen, the women’s.
Over 100 youths of all ages drove 16-penny nails to their heads, winning hammer pencils in the rain. Thank you to Hammer Museum supporters Haines Home Building Supply, Lutak Lumber, Alaska Sport Shop and Miles Furniture for donating gift certificates for the champions. Practice on your firewood this winter and we’ll see you next year.
John Hedrick for the Hammer Museum