About Anchorage's Downtown Anchorage

Beginning this Thursday, February 9th and continuing on through the weekend until Sunday, February 12th, 2012, the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center will be hosting the Anchors Aweigh Boat Show in Anchorage. The Alaska Marine Dealers Association and the Coast Guard are just a few of the organizations that will be on hand offering safety and education classes throughout the event. Several financial institutions will also be available to discuss payment options for buying your very own boat through one of the many specials going on at the boat show.

I know how long the winters here in Anchorage can be. So, it's nice to be able to stretch your legs somewhere other than inside your house. Head to the civic center this weekend to get the latest and greatest information on the boating industry so you're ready to head out on the water come summertime. Lead times vary from vendor to vendor and stock can be limited. So you need to start planning for summer now. Park at the Anchorage Athletic Club (9th & Gambell parking lot) to take advantage of one of the free shuttles to the show. Admission for adults (ages 12+) is just $8 per day or $10 for a multi-day pass. Kids admission is free (ages 11 and under). Families of five or more can get in for $20 total.

The Anchors Aweigh Boat Show in Anchorage is open from 10am to 8pm Thursday through Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Seminars will be offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The schedule of classes are as follows:

FRIDAY
12pm - Boating in Salt Water
2pm - Sailing
4pm - Boating in Fresh Water

SATURDAY
11am - Cedar Strip Canoe Building
12:30pm - Boating in Salt Water
2pm - Inflatable Repair
3:30pm - Boating in Fresh Water
5pm - Coast Guard Auxiliary

SUNDAY
11am - Sailing
12:30pm - Jet Coat Repair
2pm - Boating in Fresh Water
3:30pm - Boating in Salt Water

Get out of the house, learn a few things about boat safety and maybe even get a deal on your very own boat for summertime fun by attending the Anchors Aweigh Boat Show in Anchorage this weekend (February 9-12, 2012). Boating is one way to soak up some of the natural Alaskan beauty we sometimes take for granted.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

The Alaska Experience Theatre in downtown Anchorage will be hold its very first Halloween Film Festival every Tuesday through Saturday throughout October. Movies to be shown range from the fun, family-friendly 'Goonies' to the uber-scary "The Exorcist". Tickets for each show are just $5.

October 5-8, 2011 - 'Aliens'
October 12-18, 2011 - 'Stanley Kubrick's The Shining'
October 19-25, 2011 - 'The Exorcist'
October 26-31, 2011 - 'The Goonies'

Show times for each movie will be 4pm, 7pm and 9:30pm every Tuesday through Saturday. The 7pm and 9:30pm showings are for adults only (ages 21+). Each movie will be shown on the Alaska Experience Theatre's newly remodeled 40 foot screen. For more info on the 2011 Halloween Film Festival, please call 907-272-9076.

If you love scary movies, attend one of the classic movies offered at Anchorage's 2011 Halloween Film Festival. The Alaska Experience Theatre is a truly a unique experience.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

This Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11/01. The people of Anchorage will be joining in with millions of other American citizens to remember what happened that day as well as celebrate the strength of the American spirit. If you are looking for a way to remember those we lost, there are several September 11th memorials happening around Anchorage.

Never Forget Fundraiser - Jodhpur Rd, 8am-6pm. All proceeds received from the sales of hotdogs and sodas during the local motocross races in Anchorage on September 11th will go towards the Alaska Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Please go out and support these guys.

Freedom Flag Run - North Star Speed Way (2151 Jensen Circle, Wasilla), 10am-4pm. Owners of classic cars, street rods, muscle cars, etc. are invited to participate in this 49th State Street Rodders sponsored event. Beginning at Carrs-Safeway in Palmer, cars flying the American flag will proceed down the Palmer-Wasilla Highway in memory of those we lost on 9-11. Sponsors want to surpass last year's line of cars that went on for five miles. If you're interested in participating, please call 745-2652.

Alaska Fallen Firefighters Memorial - 5th Ave & A St, 12:45pm. Beginning with a processional from 5th Ave & Fairbanks St, firefighters from around the state, including the Anchorage Fire Department, will proceed to the dedication ceremony of the new Alaska Fallen Firefighters Memorial located at 5th Ave and A St. The dedication ceremony will begin at 1pm, with a reception to follow at Anchorage Fire Station 1 (122 E 4th Ave).

September 11 Memorial Event - Curtis Menard Sports Center (1001 S Mack Dr, Wasilla), 3pm. The Director of the Joint Staff for Joint Forces Headquarters Alaska in Fort Richardson, Brigadeer General Deborah McManus will speak at this free event. Dessert will be served afterward.

While it's true that our country was rocked 10 years ago, we know it wasn't broken. If you want to do something to publicly remember what happened, consider attending one of these September 11th memorials around Anchorage. Even better still, take the day to do something thoughtful and helpful for your Anchorage neighbors. That is the spirit we need to show still lives in us even after a tragedy like 9-11.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Independence Day is almost here. In fact, next Monday is July 4, 2011. That means that the skies will soon be lighting up and your ears will be ringing from the booming of the fireworks. Celebrate July 4th in Anchorage with the 4th of July Parade and Festival being held in downtown Anchorage.

Beginning at 8am at Delaney Park (W 10 Ave & A St), the 11th Annual Anchorage July 4th Celebration will feature more than 50 local vendors, family-friendly entertainment and the biggest parade in the state. The Totem Ocean Trailer Express will be sponsoring this year's pancake breakfast. All proceeds will benefit the local Salvation Army. After you enjoy your breakfast, watch the annual Anchorage July 4th Parade at 11am. Listen to the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Anchorage Harvard Club at 1pm. From 1pm to 6pm, join up with Anchorage Kite Day in the E-G block of the park.

The July 4th festival begins at 12pm and continues through 6pm. There will be more than 50 vendors providing food and beverages for sale to the public. However, if you would rather, you can bring your own picnic with you. Family-friendly entertainment, like a rock climbing wall, bouncy house and a giant slide, will be available for all ages. The US Air Force Band of the Pacific will be on hand to perform live music. The Anchorage Museum will share some of their favorite experiments for you to enjoy as well.

Bring the family to downtown Anchorage and celebrate July 4th this upcoming Monday. It's lots of fun for everyone and absolutely free to the public. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

This Saturday, May 7, 2011, will mark the 42nd year for the Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope. Bicycle, rollerblade, run or walk to help raise money and awareness for Alaskans with disabilities. Come to the West Delaney Park Strip (P St & 9th Ave) in Anchorage, AK from 8am to 1pm. There is a 15k for the more ambitious participants and a 5k for those that want to join in but aren't able to go a longer distance.

The Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope is sponsored by Hope Community Resources, a local organization that provides support and services to disabled Alaskan citizens via eight offices throughout the state. Some of the services offered by Hope Community Resources include helping disabled Alaskan residents become productive members of the community by teaching them skills for employment, finding housing and helping them adjust to their familial roles among other services.

To register for the Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope, please visit the Hope Community Resources website. If cannot join in at the event and wish to sponsor one of the participants, please click here. You can also make a donation online here. All donations are completely tax deductible. The top individual fundraiser in Alaska will be awarded a grand prize of a trip to two to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge on the Princess Tours Adventure.

Come to the West Delaney Park Strip on Saturday, May 7th, 2011 for the 42nd Annual Anchorage Walk & Roll for Hope to help raise money to provide services and support to Alaskan residents with disabilities. Contact me if you are looking to buy or sell an Anchorage home.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist