First Annual Pumpkin Patch in Petersburg, Alaska
Anchor Properties brought the first ever pumpkin patch to Petersburg residents. Anchor Properties believes in giving back to the community and personally connecting with the people of the island. The proceeds from the pumpkin patch went to benefit the local non-profit public radio station, KFSK. This pumpkin patch was a hit! Several professionals grouped together to donate everything from pumpkins, to bounce houses and price cuts on shipping costs. The children of Petersburg loved the event. The Pumpkin patch was open for three weekends in October and had face painting, hot apple cider, Italian sodas, bounce house, hay maze, bubble machine, music, a fire going and laughter in the air. Rain or shine… people came and enjoyed themselves and gave to a good cause.
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- © Katie Holmlund
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- © Katie Holmlund
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- © Katie Holmlund
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- © Katie Holmlund
Petersburg Alaska’s Wearable Arts Show 2017
The last weekend of March found Alaska’s “Little Norway” fully entertained with their local performance of “Wearable Arts.” This annual event is put on by Petersburg’s award winning non-profit radio station, KFSK, and raises a lot of money for a great cause. This year’s theme was “Freaks of Nature” and exhibitors brought just that! There were a couple of costumes modeled at the event that travel the state and are shown at other events. Lots of LED lights, paint and thinking outside the box went into this event. Patrons enjoyed a light dinner put on by Petersburg’s newest culinary shop, Salty Pantry. The event was three days long and very well received.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Petersburg, Alaska
Even the Norwegian town of Petersburg Alaska knows how to honor the Irish. This years parade was held amidst rain and snow but the marchers carried on proud of their heritage and history. This years parade had all walks of life join in on the fun; from children who were apart of their local girl scout troop organization to the nursing homes van with its wonderful residents aboard. The parade was a short and sweet one and ended in the atrium up at the long term care arm of the hospital. We love our little island nestled away in South East Alaska — bag pipes and green cookies were enjoyed by all! The luck of the Irish was amongst us!
Your Personal Nite Lite in Petersburg, Alaska
Getting a glimpse of the Northern Lights, or “Aurora Borealis,” is usually at the top of the list for people visiting Alaska. People often think they have to travel far north to see them, but tourists visiting Petersburg, Alaska, can catch a glimpse of this spectacular light show too. These photos were taken right here in the heart of Petersburg by resident photographer Carey Carmichael Case, and perfectly capture the magnitude of the Northern Lights in this little fishing town.
While most people have heard of the Aurora Borealis, the origin of this unusual display of lights is less commonly understood. The “lights” we see are actually collisions between gaseous particles traveling from the sun into the earth’s atmosphere. This type of activity is only visible above the magnetic poles, and is called either “Aurora Borealis” (northern hemisphere) and “Aurora Australis” (southern hemisphere).
Each light show is different, and the colors depend on the type of gas particles colliding. The pale yellow-green that is most common is from lower-altitude oxygen molecules, and blues and purples come from nitrogen particles. Some people have seen the rare all-red aurora, which comes from high-altitude oxygen. The lights can appear in scattered patches, clouds, streamers, arcs, ripples, or rays that shoot across the sky. Each light show will be different from the last, and the only way to fully understand this breathtaking natural phenomenon is to experience it.
“Alaska’s Little Norway” is an ideal place to experience the Northern Lights, as well as an array of other unforgettable new experiences. If you’re ready to plan a trip or relocate to our island to see all of the wonderful things this little fishing town has to offer, we would love to assist you with your journey!
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- © Carey Case
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- © Carey Case
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- © Carey Case
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- © Carey Case
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- © Carey Case
5 Best Summer Activities to do in Petersburg
Planning a visit to Petersburg? Summer is by far the most popular time to visit, and with good reason — temperatures are pleasant and the sun doesn’t set until 8 or 9 at night, leaving plenty of time to hike, fish, and explore all the town has to offer. July is generally the peak tourist time in Alaska, so if you want to avoid some of the crowds and tourist prices, visiting toward the later part of August or even early September is ideal. Here are just a handful of activities you’ll want to be sure to work into your itinerary during a summer trip.
Take a hike.
Whether you’re in peak shape or haven’t broken in your hiking shoes yet, Petersburg offers trail options for all ages and experience levels. Some of our favorites include: Raven Trail, Three Lakes Trail, Man Made Hole, Ohmer Creek Trail. Plan a backpacking trip if you’re looking for some solitude, or book a cabin to use as your home base if you’d prefer a day hike.
Perfect your fishing techniques.
Try Blind River Rapids, which has salmon running up it, or make a day trip to any of the small lakes dotting the island to fish for trout. Dolly Varden trout and herring are plentiful in the harbor—and while you’re there, don’t forget to watch for sea lions from the docks. They are frequent visitors to the canneries, hoping for a scrap of fish.
Go berry picking.
Did you know there are almost 50 types of berries in Alaska? Berry picking is plentiful in Southeast Alaska, and for most types of berries is best in late July and August. Some of the varieties you’ll find include blueberries, huckleberries, salmonberries, and the elusive Nagoon berry, if you can find a local who will disclose their secret locations. If you don’t know your berries well, it’s best to pick up a book beforehand and learn what is and isn’t safe to eat — some berries, including all white-colored berries in Alaska, are poisonous. If you’re unsure, stick to you-pick farms and orchards, or ask a park ranger to look at your berry loot before consuming.
Stroll through town.
No trip to Petersburg is complete without a day spent browsing the local shops and restaurants in the historic downtown area. Here you’ll find a blend of fine art, souvenir items, and a taste of the town’s history. Make sure to bring home a handcrafted Alaskan item from a local artist and snap a picture of the local storefronts and homes featuring the Norwegian decorative painting style known as “rosmaling.”
Take to the seas.
Getting out on the water is a favorite summer activity of the locals! Book a sea kayaking trip or take to the open seas independently by renting boats or kayaks from one of the numerous rental companies. If you’re traveling with small children or are looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy the water, a cruise or marine charter is a great way to go whale watching and learn about the history of the area at a more leisurely pace.
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- © Carey Case
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- © Carey Case
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- © Carey Case
A look at Petersburg by resident photographer Carey Carmichael Case
Wild Iris Photography by Carey Carmichael Case – I’m based out of Petersburg, Alaska, the place I am lucky enough to call home. I love the outdoors, living in southeast Alaska, and photography. Being able to combine the three to produce an image is magic to me. I spend much of my time with my family – husband, two dogs, and my own wild Iris, my daughter who is 9 – out exploring this great place.
For additional images, or to contact me you can find Wild Iris Photography on Facebook.
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- © Carey Case
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- © Carey Case
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- © Carey Case
