Ed Schoenfeld

SITKA, ALASKA (2009-10-14) Sitkans are celebrating the 132nd anniversary of the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. Their Alaska Day Festival this week also recognizes the 50th anniversary of statehood.
The event includes concerts, historic tours, dances and a reenactment of the transfer ceremony. One popular venue is a community variety show featuring barbershop harmonies, young winners of an Alaska-themed essay contest, and a sing-along.
Here's excerpts including the Breakers and the Barbershop Belles, essays from Emma Bruhl and Cameron Mutchler and a sing-along in honor of longtime resident Alice Machesney.

Listen to the barbershop groups' full performance.


The Barbershop Belles sing at the Variety Show.


Cameron Mutchler reads his essay "Landing."


The Breakers, Sitka's men's barbershop group, perform
at the Variety Show.