Unalaska’s Independence Day celebration will kick off bright and early tomorrow morning with the return of an old tradition.

"The halibut derby is basically just a competition to see which boat can catch the heaviest halibut," says organizer Nick Cron. He’ll be at the Carl E. Moses harbor at 6 a.m. tomorrow to register fishermen.

Unalaska anglers haven't squared off in a halibut derby for years. It's back as a city-organized event, with support from the old hosts -- Pacific Stevedoring.

The stevedores will be handing out awards to the winning teams, with a $1,000 prize for the biggest halibut. And they’re also contributing some heavy equipment.

"We’re going to use a forklift so that the boats can come right up to the dock, and we’ll measure the halibut right there," says Cron.

Unalaska’s waters have been known to hide some whoppers: The biggest Pacific halibut on record was caught in Unalaska Bay in 1995. It clocked in at a quarter-ton.

While the sport fishermen are underway, Unalaskans will be treated to a spectacle on land. Local companies and nonprofits will march in the 4th of July parade. They've built floats around this year’s theme: "O'fish'ally Local, 'Crab' Your Mates and Celebrate." 

After the parade, the Ballyhoo Lions Club will hold a duck race in Iliuliuk Creek, and the Grand Aleutian Hotel will host a block party. The holiday will end with a midnight firework display.

For the full schedule of events, visit KUCB's community calendar.