About Us
Festival History
Formed in 1954 as a non-profit, Alaska Day Festival, Inc. annually commemorates the transfer of Russian America (Russia's claim of Alaska) to the United States of America at Sitka on October 18, 1867, as well as celebrates the diversity of cultures and historical perspective of our people.
We are dedicated not only to the annual remembrance of Alaska Day, but also we strive to inspire a deeper exploration into the cultures and history of the mid 1800s. We aim to stimulate the imaginations of our current generation, and to look beyond our own histories to better appreciate the experiences of others.
The first recorded celebration of Alaska Day was in 1949. The highlight of the event was unveiling "The Prospector," a 2-ton bronze statue molded by sculptor Alonzo Victor Lewis. The statue is in the image of William "Skagway Will" Fonda and sits front and center of the Sitka Pioneers' Home as a tribute to Alaska's pioneers.
On Alaska Day itself, October 18th, many dignitaries and representative groups from all branches of the Armed Forces join in a memorial service at the Sitka National Cemetery and in the parade through downtown. School bands, local organizations, and even politicians join in the route as well, which ends near Castle Hill, where following the parade a re-enactment of the 1867 ceremony takes place.
What was once a simple local celebration has rapidly grown into a widely renowned occasion that attracts more and more guests from not only around Alaska, but from beyond as well.
The festival typically spans about a week, give or take a day and includes a variety of events including live world class music, a period costume ball, and a variety show of local performers.
Many local and visiting performers get involved in the festivities including the Gaaja Heen dancers, the New Archangel Dancers, the U.S. Army Band, and the Seattle Fire Pipes & Drums.
History of the Transfer
In the spring of 1867, word was sent and received that the territory of Alaska had been sold to the United States of America and that preparations for the official transfer should be made. On the 18th of October that year, the Commissioners arrived in New Archangel (Sitka) and the formal transfer took place.
The U.S. troops, 250 strong and in full uniform, landed about 3 o'clock and marched through the small town of New Archangel. The population was approximately 900, most of which where born in the territory and many had Native heritage. The town was owned and operated by the Russian American Company. They were the sole supply of food and clothes. They provided schools, supported the Russian Orthodox church, and took care of employees who could no longer work. Outside of the Russian blockade was a Tlingit village of about 1200. Both communities were dependent upon the fur trade.
The U.S. soldiers marched to the Governor's house which was predominately placed atop Castle Hill. Here the transfer took place, 100 Russian soldiers to the left of the flagstaff, the American troops to the right.
Just like that, the United States was officially in possession of the territory of Alaska. They invested 7.2 million dollars (about 2 cents per acre), which in 2020 would be approximately $125,414,756.76.