Kids wait to hear the winners of the bike raffle during the Family Fun in the Midnight Sun festival at the North Peninsula Recreation Center in Nikiski, Alaska, on June 15, 2019. (Peninsula Clarion file)

Kids wait to hear the winners of the bike raffle during the Family Fun in the Midnight Sun festival at the North Peninsula Recreation Center in Nikiski, Alaska, on June 15, 2019. (Peninsula Clarion file)

Nikiski ‘Midnight Sun’ festival to return

The event, which has been a staple of the peninsula since its debut in the 1960s, was canceled last year.

Family Fun in the Midnight Sun — a day of recreation, food, music and prizes right before the summer solstice — kicks off Saturday morning in Nikiski.

Rachel M. Parra, the director of the North Peninsula Recreation Service Area where the event will be held, said she’s excited about the event.

“We are thrilled,” she said.

The event, which has been a staple of the peninsula since its debut in the 1960s, was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It was turned sideways last year … I think everybody is very excited to have a community event again,” Parra said.

The 5-kilometer fun run and walk is the first event of the day, which costs $20 per participant and includes a T-shirt. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the race starts at 10 a.m.

The festival starts at noon with food and artisan vendors, live music, carnival and field games, and an egg toss.

Additionally, there will be various raffles throughout the day. Parra said participants will have a chance to win fishing and camping gear, kayaks and paddleboards among other prizes, and must be present at the 4:30 p.m. drawing to win.

More information can be found on the event Facebook page.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.

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