July 4th, The National Holiday of Alaska!

This past Friday, July 4, 2008, marked the 32nd July 4th since I arrived in Juneau in May of 1977. Since then, I have only missed being in Juneau for the 4th twice! In '79, I was camping with friends at a Forest Service Cabin, on Turner Lake, south of Juneau. This was a beautiful sunny day. And is noted as one of the best 4ths ever! Then in 1999, was in Boston, MAs and returned to Juneau in early June for a Bat Mitzvah. After that I vowed never to miss another 4th in Juneau.

When I tell newcomers and visitors about the 4th, I begin by asking them if they have any idea how big the 4th is in Alaska. They usually shake their heads no. And then I tell them that if we gave presents on the 4th of July, it would be bigger then Christmas!

Juneau, located in the Southeast panhandle of Alaska, which I often refer to as the Alaskan Banana Belt, is the first place in the entire country to shoot off fireworks. They are launched from a barge in the middle of channel, starting just after midnight in the first minutes of July 4th. It seems like everyone in the world gathers along the Gastineau Channel, and then as time and the world world stand still & quiet, the fireworks begin. You can see pinpricks of light from the camp fires of those who camped on the mountains to get a good view from above. After the show, the world springs back to life, engines start, and the crowd disappears. After hour or so for the traffic clears. Those who watched from Douglas have the worst traffic.

The 4th features a parade through Juneau, and then Douglas. Perhaps because it is the capitol, Juneau has the more organized parade. It is another great gathering, with a feeling of of a few less spectators then the night before. Last night's more exuberant celebrators, who are seem to happily so and proud of their condition. Some skip the Juneau parade and head directly for Douglas. Most do both. That parade there begins immediately following the one in Juneau. And traffic is just as bad going to Douglas as it is leaving after the fireworks.

In '77, a young man around 5, stole the show, simply by riding his hipity-hop with style and grace. In those days the parade seemed hookier. Over the years it has gotten bigger, the floats more sophisticated, but it always is a good expression our life in the Capitol of the Last Frontier. '85 was the first time I was aware of the Filipino American krew. They turned off of Franklin onto Front Street, a wild looking cadre, of dark-skinned bare chested men, dressed in grass skirts, beating furiously on conga drums. They looked like they were straight from the jungle! They seemed to virtually split the air as they went down the street! They oozed buckets and barrels full or raw, in your face right in front of you for all good old fashioned sexuality. Hold on tight! Then you might have a chance if they try to grab your loved one loved one with every intent of taking back to the jungle. Their overwhelming sexual feel might just be enough to willing sweep your precious one willing away.

From '82, through '93, I had a street vending cart located right in the center of downtown Juneau. It was called 'Mickey's Bagel Bistro.' The menu featured, bagels, coffee, pastries, and good service with a dash of entertaining wit. The 4th was one of my favorite days. We opened a little later then our usual @ around 8:00 AM, and were gone by 2 PM. When someone signed to work under the umbrella they were told, that a condition of their employment was that they work on the 4th. This usually brought a grimace and a groan. They cheered up a little when I told them it would only be for 4 hours, and they would be paid time and a half. Everyone was required to work. The holiday was a day when young people could stay out late, and wander about without being watched by there parents. They didn't like anything that put a crimp in their plans.

The first few hours on the 4th were quiet. The streets were largely deserted. People trickled by, some stopped for coffee. Some were showing obvious effects of the night before. The streets were cleared of cars, and soon became crowed with people who had come to see the parade. There was an air of anticipation along the parade route. Then the stand would be swamped with customers. There was a little lull during the parade, and then we'd be swamped again. And all of a sudden about an hour after the parade ended it would be over. We'd clean up and call it a day.

Then came on of the most satisfying moments of my time spent under the umbrella. The pay of time and a half was generous enough. But as we parted, I'd reach into my pocket and hand them a bill. At first it was a fiver, and then the last few years I was in business it had increased to a twenty. The bill was always accompanied by a heartfelt thanks and the admonishment to go have fun! And they could with the gift they had in their pockets to spend.

My daughter Sasha was born on Alaska Day, October 18, 2000. Our little family moved from Juneau to the Twin Cities, in August of 2002. Every year though, we returned to Juneau for the 4th. Sasha is a gregarious outgoing, friendly and fearless person. In 2003 we were watching the parade kitty corner from where my stand was located. It was 10 years since I had lowered the umbrella for the last time, but I am still very well known in the community. No matter where in town I go, people are always coming up to me and calling out a greeting of, 'Mickey, how's it going?' The parade was no different. People marching by were calling out to me. Soon I was off the sidewalk, and waving and shaking hands as the different groups went by. Sasha was in the middle of the street, meeting people and marching along for a few feet. It was like we were both working the parade. I decided that was it! From now on Sasha and her Dad would be in the parade, marching and tossing candy to the children in the crowd.

And that's what we have done. For the first years, we organized a group consisting of parents, children, friends and relatives of those who had been born in the local hospital. We called ourselves the Bartlett Babies. This year there wasn't much interest to do it again. So Sasha and I along with my visiting brother, Matt and his wife, Jean, hung some crape paper on a shopping basket, loaded it with wrapped candy, went out and had one of the time of our lives!
After the parade my bother Matt commented that it is really hard work. I suppose it is but it fun and satisfying also. Next year I think we will be our own entry — 'Mickey's Candy Toss.' Anyone who worked for me, was a customer, walked by the stand, or has eaten a bagel from anywhere can come walk, wave, and toss candy with us. And hey feel free to bring your own!