We all piled into dusty trucks (everything is covered with dust here) to take the 2 mile bumpy ride into town from the research station/college where we are staying to see some of the July 4th celebrations, starting with the parade.
This comprised an assortment of trucks, buses, ambulances, fire engine, snowmobiles, horns and sirens blaring, most decked out with balloons and decorations and all showering the bystanders with candy,(Amanda's idea of heaven). All the kids and many adults in the crowd had bags and were picking up whatever fell close to their feet and getting some pretty big bag fulls. The parade wove its way from the center of town out to the beach front where tents and awnings made an events arena. Lots of hot food available including caribou stew which was very welcome because the arctic wind was very biting. Events proceeded at a very leisurly pace with plenty of opportunity for chatting and hanging out.The umiat boat race was postponed for yet another day because the wind was too strong but we did get to see the beautiful baby contest. This was more a contest of which family could make the more stunning outfut for the baby and often the mother too. They were quite amazing, made from different furs and fabrics decorated with embrodery and clearly taking many, many hours to make.
These were heirloom works of art but many of the local people wear handmade parkas that are stunning too. The womens are big enough so they can fit a baby inside on their backs.
Whale bones and the wood frame of an Umiat(the seal skin whaling boat)
in the foreground, the Artic Ocean and sea ice in the distance.The Arctic Ocean,sea ice in the distance.
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