Juneau Police are reporting the recovery of an eight-foot dance paddle that was stolen Saturday after the end of Celebration, the big biennial cultural event in the Capital City.
Lieutenant Kris Sell says a homeowner who lives near a Juneau theater reported finding the paddle. It may have been dropped or dumped by thieves on the run.
The homeowner called police Monday evening after seeing a picture on Facebook about its theft from the theater parking lot.
At least five vehicles were rifled and various items stolen during Saturday night’s late show.
Sell says the red and black paddle is still in one piece and appears to be undamaged. It’s safely stored in the police station’s evidence room.
The paddle was crafted by carver Doug Chilton and Sitka dancer Wilbur Brown and his family, and it was first used at Celebration this year. Brown is a member of the Kake dance group Keex’ Kwaan.
Brown was unavailable for comment on Wednesday afternoon.
Matt Miller is a reporter at KTOO in Juneau.
