ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – October 18th has special meaning for Alaska since lands that now comprise the state of Alaska were officially sold from Russia to the United States in Sitka in 1867.

In October 1867, commissioners arrived in Sitka and the formal surrender began with the raising of the flag at Fort Sitka. U.S. Army troops then marched to the governor's house in Castle Hill to raise the American flag while the Russian flag was lowered.

The handover ceremony is repeated every year and thousands of Sitkans and visitors line the streets and paths to watch. Although on paper the ceremony is a one-day event, it is a multi-day commemoration, said Hal Spackman, executive director of the Sitka Historical Society.

“It's not so much an event, it's the culmination of events,” Spackman said. “My job is to promote and preserve Sitka's history and culture, but when you have thousands of people in Sitka talking about Sitka's history and then there's a statewide – and often national – interest in that event, that's pretty cool.”

Although Alaska Day events have been taking place in Sitka for at least 44 years, Spackman said it has likely been around since 1917, when it was first declared an official state holiday.

In addition to Alaska Day being a paid holiday for state employees, many Sitka businesses close to mark the day and public schools dismiss students early.

From the Sitka Historical Society's Beef and Pork Shoulder Cook to the Alaska Day Ball, there are plenty of activities to look forward to throughout the week, Spackman said.

Spackman said he was personally looking forward to participating in the parade and dressing up as a member of the U.S. Army's 9th Infantry, which was the first U.S. Army unit to arrive in Alaska.

“It's the whole idea that we're going to dedicate a week to history, not many communities do that,” Spackman said. “I think Sitka is very proud that they continue to do this, even though there have been some challenges at times in keeping it going.”

While Alaska Day is rooted in history, Spackman said it is also a way to promote their community. The local historian also said he would like to see the annual events celebrated nationwide.

“Sitka is a model that shows people’s interest in Alaska’s history,” Spackman said. “Whether you’re from Anchorage – which I think has a very short history, less than 100 years – or whether you’re from the Kodiak area, which has the longest history, or whether you’re an Alaska Native who has this It’s a very long story, it’s just interesting… how important it is to just understand the history of your state.”

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