And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. – Luke (2: 1-3)
It’s not a journey to Bethlehem, but it’s a journey to restore hope and bring joy back to Alaska’s biggest city, which has been in a Christmas funk.
People from all over South-central Alaska are getting ready for Saturday’s shopping and dining insurrection in Anchorage.
The event, including a rolling rally, is being promoted as an old-fashioned Christmas in Anchorage — kind of as it was in years past — with shops lit up and restaurants open, and people going about their business without fear of the government.
Christmas lights, candy canes, caroling, hot cocoa — this is a family afternoon outing on Dec. 19 meant to reflect the wholesome and joyous aspects of Christmas in Alaska. This weekend, it’s all about coming out for small businesses.
It will be a bit of a treasure hunt, however, to find out which businesses are participating, said LD Howard, who plans to attend, “because these are businesses that people treasure,” and because the grassroots organizers aren’t going to give a heads up to the Anchorage Municipal code enforcers, who are in charge of shutting down restaurants that defy the mayor’s lockdown decree and who are ready to tack “Stop Work” orders on the doors of shops that have more than the allowed number of people inside.
“This is to bring the Christmas spirit in a year fraught with depression, sadness and fear, to bring hope, love and charity back to our community. what better season than now,” said Howard, who is a member of Last Frontier Alaska, a community charitable organization.
Howard is getting ready to hand out candy canes to the kids, and get hot cocoa into people’s bellies, no matter the weather, which is expected to be in the teens just two days before the shortest day of the year.
“We’re hearing 200 plus businesses and restaurants, small businesses, entertainment venues will be taking part. They’ll be open for normal business,” he said.
Since early December, the acting mayor has decreed that business establishments must have no more than 25 percent capacity, and gatherings are limited to fewer than 15 people. Restaurants are shut down by order of the mayor.
Many say this is unfair to small businesses and the restauranteurs of Anchorage are being the hardest hit of any commercial sector in Alaska.
The businesses are not publicizing which ones will be in “operation normal” mode, but there will be details at some point by Saturday morning.
It’s starting with a road rally that will meet at the Park and Ride at Trunk Road and Parks Highway at 2 pm on Saturday, and will stop in Eagle River at the Lion’s Club to bring more people along. People in Anchorage are also taking part in the shopping-dining insurrection.
“We are encouraging people to decorate their cars for Christmas spirit,” Howard said, who said the emphasis is on family and fun.
The group is also having a Toys for Tots drive for children who are living in homes where parents or caregivers have lost their jobs and are not able to make ends meet this Christmas. Donations will go to needy children in Southcentral, he said.
Must Read Alaska has learned that a caravan is coming from the Kenai as well, but the effort is largely being organized by word of mouth to keep the shopkeepers and restaurant owners out of trouble with the municipality.
Watch this space for more details.
