Fun Community Festivals & Events

Chugiak-Eagle River is the site for many annual activities sponsored by a variety of organizations. Below is just a sampling of our longest running events.

Fourth of July at Lions Park, hosted by the Eagle River Lions, begins at 6pm on July 3rd and features a full evening of festivities, concessions, and entertainment; and ends with a fabulous fireworks display at midnight.

Fourth of July Chugiak Community Parade hosted by the Chugiak Area Business Association with support from the Chugiak Volunteer Fire Department begins at 2:00 pm at Latimer Fire Station and ends at Chugiak Elementary on July 4th. Bring your bags for candy and enjoy one of our community’s oldest traditions!

Bear Paw Festival is the second week in July with events covering five days. Bear Paw features a large community parade, great hometown entertainment, carnival rides, games, vendors and hilarious contests like Slippery Salmon Olympics and Running with the Bears – Tri-Bear-a-Thon. Other noted events are the Bear Paw Royalty Pageant for high school age men and women, the Classic Car Show and Rotary’s Ididaduck Rubber Ducky Race. Bear Paw is coordinated and annually sponsored by the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce with the support of many of our businesses, members and nonprofit organizations. Visit the festival website at http://bearpawfestival.org

Winter Wonderland is held annually at the Eagle River Town Square in downtown on the first Friday in December/  This event is co-hosted by Eagle River Rotary, Eagle River/Chugiak Parks & Rec and the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce. The tree lighting features a visit from Santa with his real reindeer, caroling by local elementary school choirs and treats from Santa’s candy elves and free horse drawn sleigh rides. Many other holiday activities are planned during the evening in Town Square – call the Chamber for a complete list of activities (907-694-4702).

Merry Merchant Munch sponsored by the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber, is held the first Friday and Saturday in December in downtown Eagle River. Visit our many participating merchants for a bite of holiday nosh, enjoy their holiday decorating competition and welcome in the season. You can also enter or just check out the annual gingerbread house competition hosted at First National Bank Alaska, join in the many charity events, and take a free ride in an old fashioned horse drawn sleigh.

	Fire Works at midnight between July 3 and July 4 ~~~~~~~~~ Parade in Chugiak, July 4th, 2pm Beginning at Latimer Fire Station	Bear Paw Festival Grand Parade Fabulous Floats	Santa Lights the Christmas Tree	Chugiak HS & Eagle River HS carrolled with around 70 businesses holding open houses with goodies for the Merry Merchant Munch