Dear All,
One of the things that Fairbanks is most famous for is being the "Land of the Midnight Sun." The reason we are called this is, not surprisingly, there is a time of year in Fairbanks where the sun doesn't set, and it stays bright all day long. We're located only 160 miles from the Arctic Circle, so it's understandable to expect some interesting weather here. Naturally, the most dramatic example of this phenomenon is the Summer Solstice. This year, Summer Solstice will occur on Saturday, June 21st, and it will be met with a wide variety of celebration throughout the city. Without a doubt, this is the biggest holiday of the year in Fairbanks, and the one of greatest interest to those who have never been here.
I would like to take a moment to tell you all a little bit about one of my favorite Summer Solstice traditions: The Midnight Sun Game played annually by the Alaska Goldpanners. The Midnight Sun Game has occured annually since 1906. The event itself is hard to describe in words. The game begins at 10:30 PM, pauses briefly at Midnight for the singing of Alaska's Flag Song, and continues until play is concluded, often around 2 AM.
The game begins as the sun is just beginning to wane, and concludes with dawn already passed. In this period of time, the entire area is illuminated entirely by the sun. Although the sun may have officially set, in Fairbanks in Summer, it never goes away. Artificial light has never been used to light this event (and never will).
This is definitely an event for those who are fans of Baseball. It has been listed as one of Sports Illustrated top 10 things for a Baseball fan to do before they die, and it deserves the praise. Again, it's hard to describe. The event is simply surreal. I know that I'll be there, and if you have a chance, I highly recommend you check it out.
Thanks for reading, my legion of loyal fans, and remember to keep on rockin' and don't stop 'till you get enough!
Joe
One of the things that Fairbanks is most famous for is being the "Land of the Midnight Sun." The reason we are called this is, not surprisingly, there is a time of year in Fairbanks where the sun doesn't set, and it stays bright all day long. We're located only 160 miles from the Arctic Circle, so it's understandable to expect some interesting weather here. Naturally, the most dramatic example of this phenomenon is the Summer Solstice. This year, Summer Solstice will occur on Saturday, June 21st, and it will be met with a wide variety of celebration throughout the city. Without a doubt, this is the biggest holiday of the year in Fairbanks, and the one of greatest interest to those who have never been here.
I would like to take a moment to tell you all a little bit about one of my favorite Summer Solstice traditions: The Midnight Sun Game played annually by the Alaska Goldpanners. The Midnight Sun Game has occured annually since 1906. The event itself is hard to describe in words. The game begins at 10:30 PM, pauses briefly at Midnight for the singing of Alaska's Flag Song, and continues until play is concluded, often around 2 AM.
The game begins as the sun is just beginning to wane, and concludes with dawn already passed. In this period of time, the entire area is illuminated entirely by the sun. Although the sun may have officially set, in Fairbanks in Summer, it never goes away. Artificial light has never been used to light this event (and never will).
This is definitely an event for those who are fans of Baseball. It has been listed as one of Sports Illustrated top 10 things for a Baseball fan to do before they die, and it deserves the praise. Again, it's hard to describe. The event is simply surreal. I know that I'll be there, and if you have a chance, I highly recommend you check it out.
Thanks for reading, my legion of loyal fans, and remember to keep on rockin' and don't stop 'till you get enough!
Joe
PS: Photo Credits to http://www.goldpanners.com/. Thanks for letting me use it!
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