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Locals and tourists celebrate the summer solstice in downtown Anchorage

A girl rides on a mechanical salmon carnival ride.
The slippery salmon carnival ride was a hit with the kids at Anchorage Downtown Partnership's Summer Solstice festivities on Saturday, June 24, 2023. (Valerie Kern/Alaska Public Media)

Downtown Anchorage transformed into one giant block party on Saturday, with Anchorage Downtown Partnership's Summer Solstice festivities. This year, the event was spread out across Town Square Park, Peratrovich Park, and 4th Avenue in the heart of Anchorage. Artists, musicians, and other performers provided entertainment while food trucks and hot dog vendors kept guests well-fed on the warm, sunny afternoon. Carnival rides, community-led basketball games, bubbles, and fitness competitions were just a few of the ways the city helped engage people of all ages in the festivities.

Valerie Lake worked at Alaska Public Media from 2017 to 2025. She was the managing producer for Indie Alaska, director for Alaska Insight, and led the video production team. Valerie Lake has previously gone by the names, Valerie Lloyd and Valerie Kern.