The Bear Paw Parade celebrated its 40th anniversary on Saturday with all the charm and energy locals have come to love. From pageant princesses and football teams to candy-tossing floats and grinning kids lining the route, the annual event felt as youthful and joyful as ever.
But this year’s celebration came with an unexpected twist. A group of “no circumcision” protesters disrupted the family-friendly atmosphere with graphic signage and costumes featuring blood-red stains over their pants. Their presence rattled many parade-goers, prompting calls to local law enforcement.
Police responded quickly but, after assessing the situation, determined the protest fell under constitutionally protected free speech. No arrests or citations were made.
The festival managers posted about the incident on Facebook:
A Note to Our Bear Paw Festival Attendees
Well folks… we knew Bear Paw would bring surprises — but today brought something none of us anticipated.
During what should’ve been a joyful, family-friendly afternoon full of music, parades, and festival fun, a group of demonstrators chose to share a very specific message about circumcision. While we absolutely respect the right to free speech, this was not the time or place for such content.
Our team quickly contacted the Anchorage Police Department’s non-emergency line. Officers responded promptly and professionally. Because of the public nature of our event, removal was not possible, but the situation remained peaceful and was monitored closely. No injuries occurred, and the festivities continued as planned.
To our families, vendors, performers, and incredible volunteers — thank you for your patience, understanding, and keeping cool under very strange circum….stances. We recognize this disruption was unwelcome and out of line with the spirit of Bear Paw.
We are actively reviewing our safety protocols and public space policies to better protect the joyful, inclusive atmosphere we all value.
Thank you for sticking with us — and for helping keep Bear Paw all about community, celebration, and just the right amount of weird.
—The Bear Paw Festival Team
Despite the jarring display, the spirit of Bear Paw endured, and Must Read Alaska captured photos of the festivities that carried on, undeterred by the brief disruption:
