Table of Contents
Alaska Day
Alaska Day is a significant holiday for Alaskans since it marks the day that Alaska formally became part of the United States of America. Geographically, Alaska-along with Hawaii- are the only two states that are not part of the mainland.
Alaska Day Definition & Meaning
Alaska Day is a federal and legal holiday in the State of Alaska where festival celebrations normally take place in the Alaskan City of Sitka.
Alaska Day commemorates the anniversary of the 1867 Alaska Purchase, a key event in the history of Alaska.
When Is Alaska Day?
Alaska Day is an annual state holiday observed every October 18. The date marks the anniversary of the formal transfer and acquisition of the Alaskan territory from Russia to the United States on October 18, 1867.
Alaska Day History
On March 30, 1867, the Alaska Purchase of 1867 took place wherein the United States officially bought the Alaskan Territory from the Russian Empire for $7.2 million. Few months later, the formal transfer was arranged in Sitka, Alaska. Russia had ruled over Sitka for 68 years until October 18, 1867 when the United States flag replaced the Russian flag and was hoisted at the governor’s house at Fort Sitka (now known as Castle Hill).
Alaska Day Purpose and Importance
Alaska Day is a state holiday that holds a lot of significance for Alaskans. The day is not only a federal and historical holiday, it is also a social and cultural event, especially in the Alaskan City of Sitka.
Historical Significance
Alaska Day is a significant holiday largely because of its historical background. Before Alaska became the 49th state to be admitted into the Union, the vast territory of Alaska was under Imperial Russia. Alaska Day commemorates the anniversary of the formal territorial acquisition that officially made Alaska part of the United States.
Source of National Pride and Identity
Alaska Day is not just a day of celebration, it is also a day of national pride. Despite its geographical difference as it is not connected to the mainland, Alaska is still very much part of the United States. And having acquired a large and resource-rich territory, the Alaska Purchase further added to the strength and domination of the United States as a world power with territories spanning the Asia-Pacific region.
Day Off for Alaskans
Alaska Day is a public and federal holiday which means citizens are not mandated to go to work or to attend class. Schools, government offices, and most business establishments are closed on this day as well. More importantly, the paid holiday gives citizens the opportunity to rest and take part in the different festivities.
What’s In Alaska Day?
Alaska Day is a day marked with all sorts of activities and Alaskan festivities. Particularly in the City of Sitka, where the main celebration is held, costume parties and dance performances are held. A reenactment of the 1867 flag raising ceremony on Castle Hill is also a highlight of the day. Other events such as races, parades, and even air-sea rescue demonstrations take place all around the city especially in the central business districts. Those in the armed forces typically join a memorial service held at the Sitka National Cemetery.
How to Create an Alaska Day Social Media Post
Show your national pride and love for Alaska on October 18! Social media-whether it be Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp- is the easiest and most convenient way to express your support and solidarity for the Alaskan holiday.
1. Select an Alaska Day Facebook Post Template
Use the search bar to browse for free and editable Alaska Day Facebook post templates. Once you’ve chosen a template, click on it and hit the “Edit this Template for Free” button to customize the template.
2. Edit the Text
In the editor tool, simply click the Fill button on the sidebar menu panel to edit the text. Highlight the text to create your own custom greeting. Change the text size, font, and color by using the different format settings.
3. Add Images and Graphics
After editing the text, add images and other elements connected to Alaska Day. There is a wide selection of free shapes, stickers, videos, frames and audio that you can choose from and insert into the template.
4. Customize the Background Color
You can easily customize the objects or elements in the template according to your preferences. Using the editor tool, you can resize photos, crop pictures, rotate objects and change the background color as well.
5. Save the Template
When you are done editing, save and share the template by clicking the Download button located on the upper right corner of the page. Export or save the file in your preferred file format such as PNG, JPG, GIF, etc.
1. Select an Alaska Day Instagram Post Template
The first step is to choose an editable Alaska Day Instagram post template from the template gallery. Select a template of your choice then click the “Edit This Template for Free” button.
2. Create a Customized Greeting
Edit the text in the template by clicking the Fill button on the sidebar menu located on the left side of the page. In the editor tool, you can customize and modify the text size, font, and text color using the different format settings.
3. Add More Graphics
After editing the text, customize the post even more by adding in pictures and other elements. You can either upload pictures directly from your computer or you can also search for free images from Pixabay and Unsplash under the Graphics icon.
4. Customize the Background Color
Feel free to rotate, crop, resize and customize the images and graphics according to your individual needs and preferences. Change the background color by clicking the Background button on the sidebar menu.
5. Download and Save the Template
When you are done editing, save and share the template by clicking the Download or Share button on the upper right corner. Note that you can export or save the post in your preferred file format.
1. Choose an Alaska Day WhatsApp Post Template
Using the search bar, type in Alaska Day WhatsApp to browse the available templates. To edit your chosen template, simply click on the “Edit This Template for Free” button.
2. Create a Custom Message
You can edit the text by clicking the Fill button located on the sidebar menu panel. Create a custom Alaska Day message or greeting that’s short but sincere.
3. Add Graphics and Images
Customize your post by adding more images, graphics, and other elements. There are numerous videos, audio, frames, symbols, stickers and shapes to choose from when you select the Graphics button in the sidebar menu.
4. Customize the Background Color
Change the background color of the template by clicking the Background icon on the sidebar menu. Stick to patriotic colors like blue, white or red for your Instagram post to highlight national pride.
5. Download and Save the Template
After you’ve finished editing the template, save your work by selecting the Download button. You may also save or export the image in your preferred file format such as JPG, PDF, PNG, and GIF.
Alaska Day vs. Columbus Day
Alaska Day is a public holiday that commemorates the 1867 Alaska Purchase which formally made the Alaskan territories part of the Union or the United States of America.
Columbus Day is a federal holiday that is observed every October 10 in different parts of North, Central and South America; it marks the anniversary of the arrival of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in the Americas.
Alaska Day Ideas & Examples
Alaska Day is a big deal for Alaskans. And on October 18, social media can abound with all kinds of greetings and patriotic posts from proud locals, residents, or even non-Alaskans.
Alaska Day Banner Ideas and Examples
On October 18, why not put up an Alaska Day banner on your front door, yard, or even at the office to showcase your pride and patriotism?
Alaska Day Website Banner Ideas and Examples
The star-studded Alaska Day website banner template below is the perfect addition to your blog posts and online articles.
Alaska Day Instagram Post Ideas and Examples
Insert a short but relevant quote in your Alaska Day Instagram post or story before sharing it to friends and family.
Alaska Day Facebook Post Ideas and Examples
Perhaps the world’s largest social networking site, Facebook is the perfect platform to share an Alaska Day Facebook post, picture, or status on October 18.
Alaska Day WhatsApp Post Ideas and Examples
The Alaska Day WhatsApp post template below is all about American pride with red, white, blue, stars and stripes all incorporated in its design.
Alaska Day iPhone Wallpaper Ideas and Examples
Celebrate pride of place with this sophisticated Alaska Day iPhone wallpaper that you can use for both your phone’s lock screen and home screen.
Alaska Day Invitation Background Ideas and Examples
If you are planning to organize an Alaska Day barbeque or get-together, this charming and patriotic Alaska Day invitation background is perfect to send out to friends and family.
Alaska Day Greeting Card Ideas and Examples
The elegant and modern Alaska Day greeting card can either be personally mailed or sent as an e-card greeting.
Alaska Day Design Background Ideas and Examples
The bright and unexpected yellow background in the Alaska Day design background instantly makes the image stand out.
Alaska Day Clipart Vector Ideas and Examples
The minimalist Alaska Day clipart can be added to PowerPoint presentations, posters, banners, and even social media posts.
FAQs
Why do we celebrate Alaska Day?
Alaska Day is celebrated because it commemorates the important date when Alaska officially became part of United States territory.
How do people celebrate Alaska Day?
People celebrate Alaska Day by holding parades and flag raising reenactments; and since it is a legal holiday, many business establishments are closed on Alaska Day to allow citizens to take part in the festivities.
What do you do on Alaska Day?
Individuals and families can watch the parade, attend the flag raising ceremony, attend a costume ball, dance, or any event sponsored and organized by the local community.
How many hours of daylight does Alaska have?
It depends on where you are in Alaska; northern Alaskan territories can have as much as 18 to 22 hours of daylight during the summer but on the extreme end, Alaskan winters can go 24 hours without any sunlight at all.
Who celebrates Alaska Day?
Alaska Day is usually held in the city of Sitka but Alaskans from all five major regions of the state celebrate Alaska Day.
What are the facts of Alaska Day?
Alaska Day is an annual celebration held every October 18 to commemorate the formal transfer of the Territory of Alaska from the Russian Empire to the United States of America.
Does Alaska have night all day?
During the winter season from November to January, some areas in Alaska can have days that consist of 24 hours without sunlight.
What are some of Alaska Day traditions?
A three-day festival in the Alaskan City of Sitka consists of time honored traditions that include a period costume ball, the city mayor’s proclamation, a series of concerts and dance performances, an open house on board a naval ship or vessel and traditional tea at the Pioneer’s Home.
What do Alaskan people do for fun?
Because of its rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes, Alaskans are known to engage in a lot of outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, fishing and hiking.
When was the first Alaska Day?
The first formal Alaska Day ceremony took place at Fort Sika on October 18, 1867.
Why is October 18th Alaska Day?
Alaska Day is held on October 18 because it was the date that the United States formally acquired the Territory of Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867.
What does Alaska Day stand for?
Alaska Day commemorates the anniversary of the 1867 Alaska Purchase of the United States from the Russian Empire.
What are the rules of Alaska Day?
Since Alaska Day is a state holiday, government offices, schools and most business establishments are closed while workers are entitled to take a paid day off on October 18.
What is closed on Alaska Day?
Schools, offices and many businesses or shops are closed on Alaska Day since it is a public holiday.
Who invented Alaska Day?
Alaska Day was established by the federal government to celebrate the anniversary of the 1867 Alaska Purchase- the event that ultimately led to Alaska being the 49th state to be admitted to the United States of America.
More in Holidays
