Unalaskans Plan to Celebrate 4th of July By Land and By Sea

Thursday, July 03 2014

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.



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