First 4th of July

I know this is late.....9 days late in fact but just getting to it.  This year was the first time we lived in the United States and got to celebrate Independence Day.  A great celebration for sure but I'm very confident that THIS 4th of July celebration is drastically different compared to the lower 48 (yes I have adapted to using the term lower 48 like the rest of the Alaskan's lol).  This year we attended the local festivities and went to the parade in downtown Anchorage.

I know all of you have attended festivals before so I won't bore you with the details.... that being said, let me point out a few things that gave us a no kidding double take! Maybe you will find this funny too.

Fireworks occurred on July 4 at 12:05 am....yes you go to the fireworks on the night of July 3rd .......this happens because it does not get dark here almost ever during the summer.....daylight is forever. Even after midnight, it's only twilight really but whatever.

At the fair, there was no bull riding....instead here they ride a mechanical salmon.

There is a reindeer who walks in the 4th of July parade....yes a real live reindeer who walks the entire route on a leash!

Our family really enjoyed partaking in a new celebration together.  Happy (belated) 4th, as they say, to everyone back home as well :)