I've celebrated Independence Day in a variety of ways over the years, but this one was perhaps the most interesting yet. Most labs looked busy throughout the day, but many conversations could be overheard about potential skits for tonight's parade and celebration. I'm a dedicated fan of the band Phish, and decided to kick off my Independence Day celebration by streaming their show live in the meeting tent. I borrowed a projector from the Camp Manager's office and a nicer set of speakers from the GIS office. It was the next best thing to being at the show in person.
Streaming the Phish show in the meeting tent.
Costume creation was allowed to begin once dinner was finished. Each lab created an original skit and had to be ready to march in the parade at 9:00 PM. Our group teamed up with a few of the other smaller teams to form "Lab 7 and Friends." Our skit was based on a fictitious squirrel fighting ring, and won the award for being most creative. Our award allows us to pick the menu for one dinner of our choice. All of the skits had a tundra or Toolik theme and really were a lot of fun! I had heard months ago that people at Toolik work hard and play hard. I can now confidently say that is true. When you spend an extended time in the field away from home, you have to get creative entertaining yourself.
Jose Luciani and Nick LaFave getting into character with their new facial hair styles!
Amanda Koltz, Nick LaFave, and Michael Sheriff in the second scene of Lab 7 & Friends skit. Photo courtesy of Jose Luciani.
Tundra Wars. Photo courtesy of Jose Luciani.
Fourth of July Parade. Photo courtesy of Jose Luciani.
Another Tundra Fairytale. Photo courtesy of Jose Luciani.
Most people stayed in costume through the evening's bonfire. Fireworks aren't very practical in a place that doesn't get dark, but we were all excited to see the moon for the first time since before arriving here a month ago!
The moon sitting over the Brooks Range. Photo courtesy of Malory Ladd.
Happy 4th of July!