The festive Fourth of July weekend in Seward started off with warmth and sunshine on Thursday, July 2nd, as vendors set up their tables and tents to sell their artisanal goods and food trucks parked and began cooking up their unique cuisines. There was an air of anticipation for the weekend ahead and the intensity of race day on the Fourth.
Friday, although a bit more dreary, was upbeat with kind folks who stopped by our Chamber booth to say hello; plus, games were played and fun was had all day long thanks to Seward Sports and Recreation! A festival favorite was the fish toss and grease pole competitions drawing in hundreds of curious spectators. At midnight, we had our annual fireworks display at Seward Waterfront which dazzled spectators and set the tone for the Fourth.
Saturday morning drew in racers and their families from all over Alaska and beyond; donning raincoats and wool beanies, the rain and 48 degree weather didn’t stop these supportive onlookers from cheering on racers all day long.
The youth runners scrambled up wet rock and slippery mud to Junior pole with Thale Randall of Willow taking gold with his speedy 27:28 time. Wren Spangler of Palmer took first prize for the girls at just 14 years old with an impressive 31:09 time.
David Norris, originally from Fairbanks, claimed his seventh Mount Marathon victory; reaching the rainy finish line at 43:08. While a couple minutes slower than his record 40:37 in 2024, his 2026 time is striking considering the mountain conditions. Jessie McAuley of Squamish, British Columbia came in a close second at 43:54.
Klaire Rhodes of Anchorage secured her third Mount Marathon win with a 49:55- the first woman to break the 50 minute completion record twofold. Christy Marvin of Palmer arrived in second place with a 50:51 time.
A fun new addition to the day was the “Race from the Base”- created by Race Director Buddy North for 8 and 9 year old runners looking to join in on the racing fun. The quick run starts at the base of Mount Marathon and ends at the race finish line on Fourth Ave.
The Fourth of July street parade was a hit with community walkers and floats, local business and non-profits, and the Seward community band playing tunes in the bed of a trailer- just to name a few. The theme for this year’s parade was “Celebrating 250” and the Best-in-Show prize was $250 cash. The community-voted winners were Western Construction and Equipment with their vintage bus and their red, white, and blue clad walkers.
As the holiday weekend came to an end, our hearts, at the Seward Chamber, were left feeling full. It is always so encouraging to see how the community comes together to volunteer for and participate in the most iconic few days of the entire year. The Fourth marks a tangible shift in the busy season and makes way for the rest of our precious summer days and slower times ahead.
We'd like to give a heartfelt thank you to our Fourth of July and Fireworks sponsors! Thank you to Kenai Fjords Tours for being this year's Premier Sponsor, Gateway Hotel, Seward Ocean Excursions, Major Marine Tours, and Harbor 360 Hotel for being our Partner Sponsors, and Providence Medical Center for being our Supporting Sponsor.
For the annual fireworks display at the Waterfront, Seward Rotary Club and Seward Community Health Center generously supported the show.
