Wasilla celebrating annual 4th of July parade and accompanying events

WASILLA— The City of Wasilla is celebrating its annual Fourth of July Parade along with accompanying events commemorating Independence Day and community connection all day.

Festivities include live music, free food and drinks, games, contests, and fireworks to top it all off.

The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. sure to show a wide variety of new and familiar floats. It runs through the downtown area, past City Hall, and usually wraps up around the Valley Performing Arts Center parking lot, near the skatepark.

The Mayor’s Picnic is a staple event featuring free hotdogs for everyone, a hot dog eating contest for the bold and extra hungry, and plenty of games and for kids. The Mayor’s Picnic runs from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Iditapark lawn with live music by the Carhart Brothers.

This year’s event features a Fun at Five segment with a live performance by Against the Grain, a beer garden, food trucks, a variety of vendors, and a Green Pavilion.

The firework show starts at 11 p.m.

Prior to the actual Independence Day, the City of Wasilla is also presenting the 49th State Street Rodders Car Show July 2 through July 4, and an outdoor concert by Ashley McBryde and Kip Moore.

For more information, visit cityofwasilla.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com