![Freedom Fest parade](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Freedom-Fest-parade.jpg)
Private citizens in communities across Alaska came together to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th. From water parades on Nancy Lake and Big Lake to a rolling automobile caravan in Anchorage and a beach party in Seldovia, Alaskans took up the patriotic mantle from local governments that cancelled events due to COVID-19.
![Big Lake parade Big Lake parade](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Big-Lake-parade.jpg)
Alaskans celebrate Independence Day with a water parade on Big Lake.
While cities declined to hold official events, Alaskans would not be denied a chance to wish America a happy 244th birthday.
The Alaska Watchman attended the Freedom Festival in downtown Palmer where thousands of Mat-Su residents gathered for an old-fashioned parade and festival. Watch the videos here and here.
Parades also took place in Homer and Juneau.
Well done Alaska!