As the world rang in 2009 with fireworks, music ands champagne, residents of Alaska may have been holding back just a bit in anticipation of the state’s upcoming birthday party.  After all, 50 is a landmark birthday to celebrate, and Alaskans plan to do it in style.  And, to the envy of probably every five year old out there, Alaska’s 50^th birthday will be celebrated all year long.

The celebrations will kick off tonight at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage with a huge Statehood Gala. The entertainment that will follow the dinner consist of a variety of genres including symphony and opera.  There will also be dance performances.  All entertainment will be performed by Alaskan artists.  Political dignitaries will be speaking during the meal.

If a formal meal and opera isn’t your cup of tea, fear not: January 3^rd will see the downtown area of Anchorage taken over for a huge birthday bash. A procession of Alaska’s diverse people will kick it off with performances at three separate venues following.  And, of course, there will be a fireworks show.

The Valdez family feast will also take place tomorrow and will include snow sculpting, dog sledding and snowshoe races.  There will also be an indoor carnival and more fireworks. And no birthday bash would be complete without a cake!  These events will be happening at the Valdez Convention and Civic Center and surrounding areas.

There are events planned all over Alaska for the big birthday celebration tomorrow with many communities holding pancake breakfasts, family events and fireworks throughput the day.

If you can’t be in Alaska this week end but want to take part in the celebration, you still can.  Many tourism businesses will be offering birthday deals and packages throughout the year for tourists wanting to take in the Arctic beauty of Alaska.