3rd of July Parade!

Our Independence Day activities have been dictated by the weather. Since Friday afternoon, we have had zero airplanes land here. Really, the last five scheduled jets have missed approach and flew off to Nome.

In other words, its flippin FOGGY up here. (and sorry for those of you trying to get in, its NOT looking better today. As a matter of fact, it looks much worse. )


3 years old on the float with my cousin Putu.

Anyway, yesterday was one of the longest days of my life! Up at 5:00 a.m. to put up tents, get warm clown clothes ready (i.e make them), )and then figure out how to put a few extra layers underneath because it was only 34 degrees out) march in the parade as a clown, run the baby contest, oversee the festivities, and watch the Talent Show. I finally read a few pages of my latest book at around 11:30 p.m. and crashed.


Here's a sneak peak of the parade photos from Cathy!

We didn't have a lot of money growing up, but we had our imaginations and a sewing machine! My mom used to dress us up and stick us in the parades every single year. We went as cheerleaders, clowns, animals, Eskimo's, etc. She made sure we were a part of every event in town. As a matter of fact, she's dressing as a clown today to do the foot races at 2:00 pm. My mom did it with us, and I'm still doing it with my kids!


1982 was when Kotzebue became an All American City. 5 years old

I remember throwing candy to the spectators. The honking horns, the sirens, the fun it was to get onto a flatbed and wave to people. All eyes on me and the float we were on! My mom coordinated the foot races for as long as I can remember. She dressed up in holey jeans with rag patches, rainbow suspenders, and a clown shirt yelling, "3 and 4 year old GIRLS! 3 and 4 year old GIRLS, LINE UP!" And its the same every year.


Here, I'm 7, since my mom was coordinating the races, I had to help my sister. On the back of the photo it states, "Maija had to help Saima win 2nd place. I was so excited I yelled in the bullhorn!"

My kids look forward to the many contests we have. The overpriced food and games to play for their chance to win a plastic toy! My daughter pays $5 for 5 minutes in a Bouncy House!

But we don't give them money...oh no. We tell them to win it! This year Gramma supplemented their cash intake by sending all the kids $20! They were over the wall! Koy and Kaisa won $50 at the "Walk to be counted" by winning the bike race and the bike decorating contests. So, they began with $70. I'm sure they have nothing left, but that's OK. All four have cell phones that are local only (except Maddisen, because its not from us) so we can keep track of them all day if we needed to.


10 years old winning the bike races, like I did every year. I had to if I wanted a new bike!

Yesterday Kaisa won 2nd place in the Lip Sync Contest, Maddie won 2nd place in the Group Lip Sync Contest and Max won 2nd place in the Animal Calling Contest. Koy was waiting for the two events that were postponed until today. The Qayaq race and the Muktuk Eating Contest. Today we have the Bike Races and the Foot Races.


and 13 years old with my cousin Bessie. Notice the Wile E. Coyote is still here!

Since I was so busy yesterday, I didn't get many photos. But you can see our little towns parade over HERE. And then check out the rest of her stuff, its ama-za-zing!

Happy Independence Day everyone. Be safe. Get lots of sleep!