Juneau, the charming, coastal capital of Alaska, has allowed for the development of unique traditions for celebrating the Fourth of July each year.  And Juneau residents go all out to enjoy every minute.

With over 18 hours of summer daylight to contend with, the holiday fireworks display occurs at 12:01 am on the morning of July 4^th (that's the night of the 3rd), the earliest fireworks display in the nation.  Juneau residents crowd both shorelines of Gastineau Channel to watch a spectacular display above the water.  Hearing the blasts echo against the steep, coastal mountains surrounding the downtown area brings to mind the early prospectors whose search for gold was the cornerstone of building of Alaska's capital city.

Best spot for viewing fireworks:  right downtown on the waterfront at Marine Park plaza.

The next morning brings the 4^th of July parade in downtown Juneau, where kids on bikes with playing cards in the spokes, pets are dressed in their best, cars and trucks are loud and proud, and marching bands thrill parade-goers every year.  Once the downtown parade concludes, the majority of floats and entrants troop across the Juneau-Douglas bridge to historic Douglas proper to do it all over again, which works quite well for late-night fireworks watchers and those who just didn't get enough of the first parade.

Celebrate with us in Juneau, Alaska - remote and wild, yet every bit an American city patriotically celebrating July 4^th with traditions and enthusiasm.