SKAGWAY — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park will host a celebration of the 40th birthday of the park on June 30. All events are free and open to the public.
First there will be a birthday procession from National Park Service building to building, singing happy birthday to each one. Gather at the Moore Homestead at 10:30 a.m., and walk with park employees as they wish the Trail Center, Junior Ranger Activity Center, Mascot Saloon Museum, and Jeff. Smiths Parlor Museum. At each stop, visitors will sing happy birthday to the building and give the building a balloon. The procession ends at the future Ton of Goods sculpture exhibit, directly across from the park Visitor Center on Broadway.
At 11 a.m. at the future Ton of Goods sculpture exhibit, enjoy some birthday cake. There may be live music and possibly a “bear sighting.”
Stop by the park visitor center anytime on June 30 to sign a giant birthday card for the park. Write your name, a favorite moment in a national park, or something you enjoy about this park. This card will be featured on the NPS 4th of July float.
Jeff. Smiths Parlor will be free and open to the public from 9 a.m.—12 p.m. and from 1—5 p.m. From animatronic mannequins to fantastical taxidermy, Jeff. Smiths Parlor tells the stories of Jefferson “Soapy” Smith, Martin Itjen, and George Rapuzzi, as well as the story of the National Park Service and Skagway itself.
The park visitor center will re-open from 7 to 8 p.m. on June 30 for a special birthday conversation for the community of Skagway. They want to hear your favorite park memories and your concerns, ideas, and vision for the future of the park. Superintendent Mike Tranel will share long-term park projects, like upcoming work on the White Pass Unit and the plan for more sculptures throughout Skagway. Free gold rush centennial posters will be available. If you missed it during the day, you can sign the big birthday card and – yes – there will be more free cake.
