Every summer those around the Chugiak Eagle River area of Alaska, (not far from Anchorage) anticipate the arrival of the annual Bear Paw Festival. 2012 is no exception to this, and the dates of this Alaska festival are July 11-15.
A variety of fun events for your entire family can be found at the Bear Paw Festival. Each year the Army displays many Army vehicles and equipment. They also offer football and basketball tosses, inflatable boxing, and an obstacle course.
More Bear Paw Festival Events:
If you enjoy running, you may want to take part in the Bear Paw Classic 5K race. You’ll run down the parade route, the streets of Eagle River, and even along the bike path next to the Glenn Highway. All who enter will be given an official tee shirt.
The Bear Paw Grand Parade is a sight to see with its floats, beauty queens, cub scouts, fire trucks, drill teams, and more. There is even an award trophy that is given to the winner of the entry that displays the most spirit for the festival.
Adults and children alike are sure to have fun in the Chalk-a-Palooza. Just like it sounds, this event is for you to display your creative talent with pastel chalk. You’ll even receive larger brushes and spray bottles to help spread and blend the chalk.
And what festival would be complete without a carnival? No worries, your trip to the Bear Paw Festival in your Alaska RV rental will include riding some of the classic rides including the Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, roller coasters, and rocket ships. And don’t forget to play some carnival games to win your special someone a stuffed bear!
Another fun thing to do at the Bear Paw Festival is to tour the festival on a horse-drawn carriage. Rides by the Horse Drawn Carriage Company are $5 per person and will take you all around the festival grounds.
Eagle River Rotary Club members dump more than 1000 plastic, numbered ducks into a race trough in front of the main state. If you’d like to purchase a duck beforehand, you may just win a prize as many “lucky ducks” are chosen.
And let’s not forget about the food you’ll find after you arrive with your Alaska van rental. Philly cheese steaks, barbequed sausage, Cajun cuisine, ice cream, funnel cakes, gyros, and more can be found here.
Have a great time at the festival, and let us know if you’d like more interesting things to do in Alaska.
