July 4th is a crazy time in McCarthy, Alaska. Almost overnight, our sleepy little mountain village fills with tourists from as far away as Israel and Denmark.
McCarthy, Alaska is located in the Wrangell St. Elias National Park. It is the largest park in the United States. It also has the largest inholdings of private property of any park in the nation. Here is our little gold miner’s cabin decked out for the celebration.
Hundred’s of locals and visitors gather every year for our annual Fourth of July Parade.
The marching band always starts the parade off properly.
The event is emceed by local business owners Neil Darrish and Nik Merlino.
People get very creative with the resources available.
The Wrangell Mountains Center always has a non-motorized float–frequently, but not always, a wheel barrel.
The Roadside Potato’s float featured live menu items and hippy drivers.
St. Elias Alpine Guides spoofed the Park Service.
Where else can you see a Ranger’s bum?
Just in case you didn’t see it the first time.
I tell people that McCarthy has a very high tolerance for eccentricity, and here is your visual proof.
Reality T.V. star Jason Lobo staged a small anti-establishment protest against the businesses of downtown during the middle of the event. I am not sure exactly what he is trying to say, but he does have right. It is a day of celebrating freedom after all.
The mosquitos came.
And Hollis exterminated them all.
Don’t mess with Hollis.
Cause Hollis will get you.
The parade featured local businesses.
And local non-profits. Thank you fire department!
Gilligan and his crew showed up.
After the parade there was a day of old school contests for all ages from cherry pit spitting to sack races.
And there was some fine chilling on the porch too.
I hope you all had a great Fourth of July!
What a patriotic hoot your parade was. You let it hang out for freedom, let it ring! Thanks for sharing the frolic.
Thank you Carole! I hope you family had a great July 4th as well.
Looks like fun for all! A belated Happy Fourth to all of you too!
Thank you Sue! Happy belated Fourth to you too!
Thought I would peek in and WOW – even though I missed the post on the 4th – you have definitely made my day!
Bethany
Thank you Bethany!
What a fun day your community must have had!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Yes. It is a crazy fun day. Thank you Dee for stopping by and commenting.
I LOVE this visual showcase of the 4th in another part of the USA. Seems like a lot of fun– except for the guy in the duct tape briefs.
Vivien- are you saying that duct tape briefs might be a tad uncomfortable? I can only imagine that would be the case. Ouch.
Excellent! I love the Rhubarbarians. Happy 4th!
I love the Rhubarbarians too!