Fourth of July Parade and Mayor's Picnic draws thousands of visitors

WASILLA — The city of Wasilla's annual Fourth of July Parade and Mayor's Picnic drew a large crowd to downtown Wasilla.

The parade featured a wide variety of floats representing local groups, businesses, and causes. Some floats handed out free candy and other items while others put on special performances along the way.

This year's parade featured a new route which according to Wasilla Museum and Visitor Center curator Bethany Buckingham was done to help streamline the setup and the overall flow. She said the parade draws thousands of visitors so it's important to make the route as safe and efficient as possible. She said it's great knowing how many people look forward to the parade and picnic and attend each year.

“That seems to be a great indicator that people appreciate what we do,” Buckingham said.

The annual Mayor’s Picnic took place immediately after the parade, featuring a serving station that distributed thousands of free hot dogs, free snacks and drinks, and live performances coinciding with the Music in the Park summer concert series. The picnic also featured bounce houses and other booths serving free refreshments such as popcorn, shaved ice.

Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford said that she was happy to see so many people.

“It's great. I love it,” Ledford said. “This is Wasilla's time to shine.”

Wasilla Sunrise Rotary members managed the hot dog area. Rotary members grilled up hot dogs, distributed snacks and drinks, and interacted with community members throughout the event.

Rotary member Eric Bushnell said that he's volunteered for the Mayor's Picnic for many years and he always enjoys it.

“It's a lot of fun. You see a lot of people you know," Bushnell said.

Wasilla Sunrise Rotary President David Seals said this event is a great way to give back to the community and raise awareness about the “magic of Rotary.”

“It's really good for our club to be involved in this. It shows the public what the Rotary really does,” Seals said.

Seals said the annual parade and picnic is an important part of the community that brings people together to socialize, have fun and celebrate the foundation of the United States of America.

“Especially after COVID, it's huge having the American Spirit alive and well here in the public. Our country really needs it right now," Seals said.