The citizens of Unalaska turned out in big numbers Wednesday for a traditional, small-town celebration of America’s independence from the British Crown. A noon-time parade got the most attention as floats created by businesses and public agencies wowed the crowd with creativity and sometimes madness. The city’s Department of Public Works won the award for Most Creative with their Flintstones theme. Fred Flintstone and his pal Barney Rubble worked in a rock quarry, rock being the primary commodity at public works.
In the Ballyhoo Lions Club duck competitions Kloosterboer took top honors for the decoration of their wooden duck. Department of Public Works was second with a duck that not only wore a hard hat but a safety vest as well. In the Fourth of July competition Williway Services’ duck took top honors. Second went to the Airport Restaurant and third to Harris Electric. In the corporate duck race Alaska Ship Supply outran the competition. URC LLC was second with third going to LFS. The Lions had luck on their side this year as the Iliuliuk River was full of water and moving swiftly. Last year too many ducks ended up in the weeds, never crossing the finish line. This year the problem was snagging the ducks before they migrated out to sea. The Lions estimated the Duck race this year raised over $4000 for the club.
The special day’s finale came at midnight with a show of fireworks. Numerous fires on the beach contributed to the community atmosphere of celebration.
