What do we have to be proud of?

Right now, Alaska is kicking off celebrations for two things - we're old and we're cold. (Say it loud and say it proud!)

Allow me to explain.

I. We're Old.

Alaska is in the process of turning 50 - as a state. Obviously, it has been an inhabited area for quite a bit longer, and has existed as a physical and geological entity for even longer . However, 50 years ago today (January 3), it finally and officially became a state. The celebration started before I moved here this past summer, and will probably continue on for quite a bit longer than that. Becoming a state was apparently a lengthy and emotion-fraught ordeal as near as I can tell, so long time residents are pretty excited about it. Except, of course, for the ones who want to secede. The territory had tried for some time to become a state, only to have their application denied several times. Eventually though, it worked out. Congress voted yes in the summer of 1958, and Ike signed the bill into law on 1/3/59. As you can probably tell from the above, I have read many, many articles on the subject in the past few months, but at least I know what all the fuss is about. Although it's interesting to note that if Alaska was a person, he or she wouldn't be eligible for a senior citizen discount. Still though, it's a round number, so let the bells ring out!

The big hootenanny starts tomorrow. Apparently an Alaska stamp is being released tomorrow, then someone is going to light a bonfire, then there's going to be all kinds of carrying on downtown and elsewhere, and then more fireworks. This town loves to have explosions in their town square. I look forward to next month's Valentines Day fireworks :) Of course, this is one of the many things I love about Alaska! Right now we are planning on going to the fireworks tomorrow, but cold may forestall us.

II. We're Cold

The Freeze Arts festival (of earlier post fame) is seriously getting underway about now. Over the next week, teams of artists will be creating "installations" in a park, which will be unveiled to the public next weekend. I plan on going and dragging Art. The organization putting on Freeze was advertising for volunteers to do various things, including "99 people to hold candles as part of an exhibit" that sounded semi-entertaining until I thought about it for more than a minute, then it sounded less so. I will support this art by going to look at it, and trying not to make too much fun. If possible.

How cold is it?

Cold enough that moisture just floating around in the air freezes fast to everything - like trees. Anyway, with any luck at all, there's more ice sculptures and fireworks in my immediate future, and therefor in yours too, gentle reader!