Celebrations planned to mark 4th of July in the Valley

MAT-SU — A change in the weather has arrived just in time to reduce fire danger in advance of the Fourth of July holiday.

An unusually warm, dry June had ramped up fire danger in Southcentral Alaska and prompted suspension of burn permits for part of the month. But although fire danger remains “moderate,” according to the Department of Natural Resources, the Red Flag warning has been lifted and the burn ban has been canceled in the Mat-Su, for now.

Before starting a fire or using fireworks, consult local area and burn permit information online at 1.usa.gov/11bRMIG.

The city of Houston, the only place in Southcentral Alaska that permits the summertime use of fireworks, has thus far opted to continue fireworks sales, as outlined in the city’s municipal code.

According its rules, the decision regarding whether to suspend fireworks sales rests in the hands of the fire chief, who can decide to restrict sales and the use of sky rockets or missiles, if there’s a safety concern due to weather, from April 15 through Sept. 15.

The chief also can ban the sale and use of fireworks if the state Division of Forestry says fire danger is “extreme,” according to city rules.

Fourth of July fireworks display

In Wasilla, a community fireworks display in planned by the city of Wasilla, in conjunction with the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, at 11:45 p.m., July 3 at Iditapark in downtown Wasilla, next to Nelson Avenue. Mayor Verne Rupright will fire a canon to mark the start of the show Wednesday.

In a press release in advance of the holiday, Alaska State Fire Marshal Kelly Nicolello encourages Alaskans to attend such community celebrations rather than staging their own pyrotechnic shows.

“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public fireworks display,” Nicolello said.

Although fireworks may seem harmless, Nicolello said they can explode, throw hot sparks through the air, and can often reach temperatures hotter than 1,200 degrees.

Fourth of July Parade

Wasilla’s annual Fourth of July parade begins at 11 a.m., July 4. But will follow a new route from past years. This year’s theme is “Freedom Rings in Wasilla.”

And today at 5 p.m. is the deadline to enter a float. Contact the chamber for details at 376-1299.

Wasilla Chamber Executive Director Lyn Carden said the size of the parade and the crowd that attends it grows in each year.

To accommodate the expected larger crowds and a longer parade than in past years, she said last year the chamber worked with the city to design a new parade route.

A slightly modified version of that new route will be used this year. The parade will stage along Nelson Avenue between Weber and Main streets. The parade will turn right onto Main Street and turn right on Herning and pass in front of the judges stand at Wasilla City Hall.

From Herning, the route turns right onto Tommy Moe Drive and will end in the parking lot of Valley Performing Arts.

“It’s a little less than a mile, but it’s a large enough grid we think there is room for the increased viewers and the parade,” Carden said.

Mayor’s Picnic

Again this year, the Mayor’s Picnic is from 1 to 3 p.m. at Iditapark following the parade in Wasilla. The picnic is planned in the area next to the Honor Garden and includes free live music, hot dogs, refreshments and kids games.

Glacier View

Fourth of July festivities start at noon at Mile 99, Glenn Highway with a patriotic five-plane fly-over, followed by a community parade, Fourth of July dedication and potluck. At 4 p.m., several cars will be launched off a 300-foot cliff.

Talkeetna

Fourth of July Parade is at noon and an auction event will follow for the “Moose on the Loose and Mini Meese.” July 5, the Moose Dropping Festival games and live music begins at noon. Also, 5 p.m., July 5 also is the deadline to sign up for 21st annual Mountain Mother Contest, which begins at noon, July 6. Kids games are planned throughout the day July 6. For more information, contact 733-2487 or email TalkeetnaHistoricalSociety.org.

Contact Heather A. Resz at 352-2268 or heather.resz@frontiersman.com.