(Fairbanks, AK) – Play ball! At a kickoff event last night, the America250-Alaska Commission partners announced a marquee effort that will culminate in a baseball-themed celebration on July 4, 2026. The “Week of Dreams” pitch is one of Alaska’s plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, leading to the creation of the United States of America. Other state and nationwide events are in the works for the yearslong 250th birthday party.
“With two beloved American narratives – the American Pastime and The Last Frontier – coming together in the heart of Alaska in 2026, we believe this sets the stage for powerful storytelling and a remarkable way to celebrate America250,” said Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom, chair of the Alaska Historical Commission.
Alaska’s rich history, diverse cultures, and unique contributions to the United States will play a vital role in this national celebration. A Week of Dreams proposes to engage Alaskans in this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor America’s Pastime, with impacts that will last far beyond 2026. Some of the activities that were previewed last night:
- New exhibit of Alaska’s Fields of Dreams: Baseball in America’s Far North
- Alaska’s Fields of Dreams: Baseball in America’s Far North booklet
- Nominating Growden Memorial Park in Fairbanks to the National Historic Register
- Youth clinics
- Legacy softball and Indigenous baseball games
- Fundraising for sports field improvements
- Highlighting Alaska’s first ball club, the Knock Down and Skin ‘Em team established in 1868 on St. Paul Island
- Recognizing the many Goldpanners and Alaska Baseball Leaguers who went on to play Major League Baseball, and other professional players who came to Alaska
“Alaska’s Week of Dreams can inspire a lasting legacy of Alaskan pride in our state, encourage significant field improvements, generate sports and heritage tourism opportunities, and create meaningful new history for tomorrow’s youth,” said Alaska State Historian Dr. Katherine Ringsmuth. She gave a presentation about the 150-year history of baseball in Alaska, deep traditions for Alaskans, and our state’s contributions to the game (researchers say softball started in Alaska as an indoor version of baseball!).
“We are so excited to partner with numerous other entities around the state on this tremendous opportunity,” said Scott McCrea, President and CEO of Explore Fairbanks. “As we approach America250, Fairbanks’ enduring love of baseball and of course our very own Alaska Goldpanners stands as a proud thread in the national tapestry—where midnight sun games and century-old traditions invite visitors to experience not only the spirit of America’s pastime, but the unique heartbeat of Interior Alaska. It’s a celebration of history, community, and the enduring draw of a game that continues to unite us.”
Alaska’s Week of Dreams effort is a partnership between the State of Alaska, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Office of History & Archaeology, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska Goldpanners, Explore Fairbanks, RBI Alaska, Aleut Community of St. Paul, Knik Little League, Benton Bay Athletic Lions Club, Alaska Sports Hall of Fame, The Dome, and the Alaska Historical Society. Additional partners and sponsors are expected to be announced ahead of the summer 2026 Week of Dreams.
America250-Alaska is also coordinating efforts with all 50 state and territory organizing committees, the national America250 Semiquincentennial Commission and the White House. These nationwide activities may be of interest to Alaskans:
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- America’s Field Trip for students to experience key locations across U.S.
- July 5, 2026 – America’s Potlatch to celebrate community
- July 8, 2026 – Simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence
- Virtual museum with U.S. history from the Revolutionary War to today
- Flag of Honor tour of all 50 states and territories