Sitka’s Fourth of July celebration is right around the corner, with some of the same festivities from years past — and a few surprises.
Suzan Hess, Board President of the Sitka Chamber of Commerce, told KCAW’s Emily Kwong on Monday (6-29-15) that this year’s theme is “American Innovation.”
“We’re commemorating the creativity and ingenuity of Americans. The chamber of course is always supportive of new business, of new commerce, new economy, and that seemed to really fit in well with our mission, and also with the 4th of July parade,” Hess said. “That’s what America is about. Recognizing creativity, ingenuity, innovation. Things that are discovered and developed,” she said.
As in previous years, the Sitka Chamber of Commerce is organizing the event, but this year it’s with the help of the non-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Hess says the chamber tapped into the organization because they are in between executive directors and needed a “solid contact point for the parade.”
“We reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters who also were recognized by the chamber of commerce this year as community heroes,” Hess said. “This is working out to be a great fundraiser for them,” she said.
The parade grand marshals this year will be Trish and Dirk White, of White’s Pharmacy.
“Looking at their involvement in state and national politics, healthcare. They’re longtime practice of providing pharmacy students with internships in Sitka,” Hess said. “Their creative approach to their business. Making up solutions when they have problems. And they’re also just pretty nice people so we’re looking forward to having them, she said.
The parade starts at 2pm on Saturday. It will begin at the roundabout, turn right on Lincoln Street, and end at Totem Square.
The deadline to register to march in the parade is Thursday, July 2nd.
