The Haines Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July theme this year is based on the 1985 film “Back to the Future.” Chamber office assistant Andrew Letchworth said the theme was picked to help the community cope with this year’s hardships.
“We’re looking back before the landslide tragedy,” Letchworth said. “We’re looking back to COVID-19 and all the losses we have faced. Then we’re looking forward, not forgetting what happened, but courageously stepping forward.”
The Fourth of July parade will begin on Main Street at 12:30 p.m. Judges will award participants cash prizes for the best float, bike, music and dance number, and dog. There is also a special prize for the best-dressed character from “Back to the Future.” The prize ceremony will be at the fairgrounds at 3 p.m.
Carnival games, foot races, tug-of-war, spike driving, nail pounding, and mud volleyball contests will be held immediately after the parade at the fairgrounds. Tlingit Park is not being used because it is undergoing renovations.
Seth Waldo and Marty Fowler will emcee the fairgrounds events.
A list of food vendors is being finalized.
“It’s free to use the food booths,” said executive director of the chamber Tracey Harmon. “If there is a community group that wants to use one to sell ice cream, there’s a really good opportunity to make some money for our town.”
Haines Friends of the Library will host a barbeque and bake sale outside of the fairgrounds garden from 1-4:30 p.m. The Chilkat Dancers will have a hotdog booth and they are also performing from 3-4 p.m.
There are no musical performances or Ripinsky Run planned. Harmon said if anyone is interested in arranging these activities to contact the chamber as soon as possible.
The evening will conclude with a firework display at Picture Point at 11 p.m. Harmon said she hopes the display with help liven the community’s spirits.