Valdez, Alaska

July 4 – Valdez

Canada Day activities in Dawson City, YT were so much fun, we decided to spend the 4^th of July in Valdez, Alaska. Another small town with a lot of history.

Valdez has a natural harbor (Prince William Sound) on the Gulf of Alaska which was perfect for early ship trade so this little city played a major role in the early days of Alaskan gold mining. Later, the ports would haul supplies to build roads to Anchorage and Fairbanks.

The population was around 600 in the early 1964 when the largest earthquake in North America hit Valdez. The town was destroyed but was rebuilt just a few miles west. Some homes were moved to the new town-site but almost all of the town is new.

In recent years, Valdez has flourished and the population has grown to 4,100. The main industries are the Alaskan pipeline terminal which was completed in the 1970’s and the increased salmon fishery.

Today, was the big day. Forth of July in Valdez. I gotta say, the small city of Valdez has a jam packed schedule for the day. The helpful folks at the visitor center supplied us with a list of events...an entire page full of things to do. Except for the 5K and 10K salmon runs, all were done within easy walking distance. We started off with picking our spot to watch the parade. It was the perfect spot next to a family who had come down from Wasilla to enjoy the 4^th of July on Valdez. The parade was followed by the pie eating contest. Carolyn went to that event and snapped some pictures while I finished a couple blog posts.

At 3:30, we watched the beginning of the canoe jousting but had to leave for a while to watch the Coast Guard perform a simulated helicopter water rescue. That was IMPRESSIVE. 

As soon as that finished, we went back to watch the finals of the canoe jousting.

We aren’t done yet...a folk/country band played while a free community burger dinner was served to the 2500 or so people. 

As the day started to wrap up, a bon fire was lit and everyone who wanted a s’more was able to make their own. I suspect some kids will have a sugar high that will several days.

Finally, as to fire died down, fire fire boats lined up in front of the docks to demonstrate their water canon abilities. By coincidence, there fire boat chief was standing with us and explained their capabilities. Of course, there is a huge need for fire safety when loading boats with crude oil from the Alaskan Pipeline. In addition to special fire extinguishing compounds, each water canon can pumps up the 5,500 gallons of water per minute.

Last but not least, there was a darned good fireworks display. It’s not real dark at 10:00pm in Alaska but that didn’t matter. There were ooohs and aaahs and lots of applause when the finale ended.

After all that, it was a full day and we were tuckered out. Thanks Valdez, you did well and we will remember the fun 4^th of July we spent with you.