“Community spirit is what this place has. We want to fan those flames,” said longtime resident Lee Jordan.
Between a bonfire and fireworks display, Chugiak-Eagle River's celebration of the 50th anniversary of statehood ought to have more than enough spark to meet Jordan's expectations.
The bonfire and fireworks are scheduled for Jan. 3 at Lions Park. The times and locations for the other events have yet to be set.
Last week a steering committee got together to plan a big and strictly local celebration for area families, said Jordan, who was one of those in attendance.
In addition to the bonfire — a throwback to the original 1959 celebration — and the fireworks, the event will include free hot dogs and hot chocolate, children's activities, a display of historical photos, a variety of speakers and a brief ceremony.
There's also talk of sled dog rides, snowshoe softball and ice sculptures.
Organizers hope collaboration with local schools will be an integral part of the celebration. That is an area that has yet to be fleshed out, Jordan said.
People are asked to bring wood, scrap wood — basically whatever burns, except for tires — to throw onto the community bonfire, Jordan said.
The steering committee hopes to make all events community-oriented and free of charge.
They also hope to beat out Anchorage in terms of the event's scale, Jordan said.
Organizers are working off of a $10,000 budget, donated by local individuals and organizations. The fireworks display will blow up a good portion of that budget and the remaining funds have already been committed to other activities, Jordan said.
The steering committee seeks additional contributions from individuals and corporate partners, in the form of both ideas and money.
“Anybody and everybody” is invited to participate, Jordan said.
Why all the festivities?
“Statehood was just such a great thing,” Jordan said.
For more information or to participate, contact Finis Shelden at 688-3263, Gail Burger at 688-2608 or Lee Jordan at 688-9068.
