Cordova’s 2019 Independence Day celebrations ran smoothly, thanks to help from volunteers, says Cathy Renfeldt, executive director of the Cordova Chamber of Commerce.
“Without volunteers, there would be no July 4 festivities,” says Renfeldt. “It would be impossible.”
The main event of the morning was the Kelp Box Derby, which sent unmotorized vehicles of all sizes and colors racing down First Street. Former Cordova mayor Kelly Weaverling coordinated the derby.
Following the derby came a series of informal children’s events, including a footrace, a sack race, a three-legged race and an egg toss. At noon, the morning fog was replaced by the smoke from a community barbecue and potluck.
Volunteer coordinator Jalie Sebia touched base with potluck contributors ahead of time, making certain that the event wouldn’t end up with a dozen identical dishes. Local restaurants donated side dishes, including a potato salad from the Reluctant Fisherman Inn, a crab salad from Nichols’ deli and a green salad from Baja Taco. Concluding the festivities was a square dance led by Belle Mickelson, organizer for Cordova’s 4H Music Camp.
The Cordova Chamber of Commerce received major financial support for the event from AC Value Center, Cordova Wireless, Ocean Beauty and other local businesses.
Although events fell behind schedule as the day went on, it didn’t cause any significant complications, Renfeldt said.
“What I usually plan to do at these events is run around, putting out fires,” she said. “I didn’t have any fires to put out this year, literal or figurative.”
A patriotic selection of desserts were available at the Independence Day community barbecue and potluck. The event took place along First Street on July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
A variety of pie flavors awaits diners at the Independence Day community barbecue and potluck. The event took place along First Street on July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
A loaf of red, white and blue bread was among the choices for diners at the Independence Day community barbecue and potluck. The event took place along First Street on July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw and potato salad were served at the Independence Day community barbecue and potluck. The event took place along First Street on July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Volunteers prepare and serve food at the Independence Day community barbecue and potluck. The event took place along First St. on July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Floyd Witsoe shows off his patriotism with a bald eagle hat, while celebrating the nation’s independence on July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Volunteer Rhys Marshall prepares to serve food at the Independence Day community barbecue and potluck. The event took place along First Street on July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Volunteer John Burch grills hot dogs at the Independence Day community barbecue and potluck. The event took place along First Street on July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Front, from left: Evan Standifer and Nathan Wesley participate in the Independence Day square dance, the final event of the July 4, 2019 celebration. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Kaleb Carrillo catches an egg. In the July 4, 2019, egg toss, participants threw an egg back and forth over an increasing distance. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Cordovans compete in an egg-toss. In the July 4, 2019, egg toss, participants threw an egg back and forth over an increasing distance. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
From left: Austin Schandel and Gunnar Davis participate in the three-legged race. Children at the July 4, 2019, celebrations also competed in a sack race and an egg toss. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Lydia Hamberger is ready to win the sack race by whatever means necessary. Children at the July 4, 2019, celebrations also participated in a three-legged race and an egg toss. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Steven Pallas notices that Ari Vican has gained an advantage in the sack race. Children at the July 4, 2019, celebrations also participated in a three-legged race and an egg toss. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Children compete in a sack race. Kids at the July 4, 2019, celebrations also participated in a three-legged race and an egg toss. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Children compete in a short race down First Street. Athletic events for July 4, 2019, also included sack races and three-legged races. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
From left, Tia Wade, “John Doe,” Lena Holcomb, Lilly Simpler and John Holcomb, winners of the Kelp Box Derby. The event drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the morning of July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
“John Doe,” pilot of the DNR, prepares to race down First Street. Cordova’s Kelp Box Derby drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the morning of July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
From left: Ben and Lilly Simpler, pilots of the Low Rider, race against John Holcomb, pilot of the Stars and Stripes. Cordova’s Kelp Box Derby drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the morning of July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Lena Holcomb pilots her kelp box racer, the Fuchsia Flash. Cordova’s Kelp Box Derby drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the morning of July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
“John Doe,” enigmatic pilot of the DNR, zips down First Street past onlookers. Cordova’s Kelp Box Derby drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the morning of July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Lena Holcomb, pilot of the Fuchsia Flash, threatens to break the speed limit. Cordova’s Kelp Box Derby drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the morning of July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Carol Maxcy completes a successful run down First Street. Cordova’s Kelp Box Derby drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the morning of July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Evie Mills waits to be towed back to the top of First Street. Cordova’s Kelp Box Derby drew enthusiastic crowds on the morning of July 4, 2019. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times 
Carol Maxcy pilots her kelp box racer in the Kelp Box Derby on July 4, 2019 before enthusiastic crowds along First Street. Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times
New events for 2019 included a disc golf event and stalls run by vendors. As the end of festivities drew near, square dance participants were encouraged to help clean up. By evening, the only sign of the event was a few strings of bunting running along First Street. A quick clean-up was also facilitated by attendees picking up after themselves, she said.“If you haven’t volunteered recently, I would encourage you to consider it.”
