July 4 - Haines offers an Americana small town Independence Day. I was busy taking videos, so thanks to friend Dan for his work with the digital Olympus and contributions to the page.

          The morning parade kicks off the festivities. The entourage is complete with fire trucks, decorated bicycles, pipes and old tail pipes.

    Mud volleyball may be for the clean of heart, but it ends there. 

     Kid races provide vicarious enjoyment for all older ages. 

   The highlight of the day's competitions is a "raft" race down the Chilkoot River from Chilkoot Lake to the Lutak Inlet. Requirements: helmets and life jackets or wet suits, and a raft that costs no more than $4.95 worth of used materials.