Page 56 - Anchorage & Kenai Peninsula Bearfoot

NINILCHIK
HISTORIC
Russian and Athabascan culture met here.
UNIQUE COASTAL TOWN In this part of Alaska , you might drive by an 80-year old building, or a retired boat. With less harsh win- ters than the interior of Alaska , the milder weather is gentler on buildings and structures, leaving his- tory well preserved.
NINILCHIK SUMMER EVENTS
Ninilchik Clam Scramble: June 15th, 2019 Salmonfest: August 2nd-4th, 2019 Kenai Peninsula Fair: August 16th-18th, 2019
RUSSIAN LIFE
MEETS NATIVE CULTURE
The Athabascan Native village of Ninilchik has strong ties to Russia. The turmoil that occurred as Natives first came into contact with powerful Russian rule eventually led to an amicable blending offamilies, culture and traditions. The people of the Ninilchik Village Tribe today note that the unique mix of Russian and Native peoples at Ninilchik evolved into an interesting parallel to the Creole culture in Louisiana: "Ninilchik Creole." The pretty Russian Orthodox church on the bluff above the village of Ninilchik is a good example of Ninilchik's core Russian heritage.
The grave markers at Ninilchik are white, with Rus- sian-style crosses. Similar variants of this church- yard are visible all over roadside Alaska, with some changes, including different colored graves, western-style crosses, or small "spirit houses" with or without wooden fences. There are similar churchyards at Copper Center, Cantwell, Eklutna, and Mentasta, among other spots. This shows the spread of Russian infuence in Alaska , far from the coast and Ninilchik.
HISTORIC
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KENAI PENINSULA FAIR Amain attraction ofthe Kenai State Fair isthe rodeo. Another crowd pleasing events of the Kenai Fair is
pig-racing. Well named pigs race around a course as announcers give the rundown on loudspeakers. Other attractions at the Kenai Fair include concerts and farm exhibits.
RUSSIAN LIFE
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