DELTA JUNCTION

The Delta Junction Chamber of Commerce lists attractions such as those below as being available in Delta:

Friday, February 11 through the 13th, 2005

2005 Festival Of Lights
Other local groups and organizations are encouraged to plan events. For more information contact Sheryl Mills 895-5068 or email: deltacc@wildak.net.

The Delta Chamber of Commerce invited everyone to join them for their 11th annual Festival of Lights. The festival is a two day community wide event to fight "Cabin Fever" and welcome the lights of spring. In 2001, the event featured local and statewide artisans & musicians. A partial listing of events included: a Craft Fair, Lighthouse Contest, live music performances, fireworks, the Polar Bear Plunge, weight pulls & dog sled rides. Many events were centered at the Delta School. For more information, call the Delta Chamber of Commerce at (907) 895-5068 or 895-5139  . A more detailed schedule of events was published on the Delta News Web.  Try our events calendar for dates.

On the Fourth of July, the Pioneers host the Buffalo Barbecue. Roasted buffalo slices and sloppy joes are served, starting at noon until sold out. Little League ball games or girls softball games, can be found at the city park.

During this three day event, watch the annual parade and view the agricultural, educational, and garden exhibits. A variety of foods can always be found in the booths at the fair. Livestock competitions, mud bog races, and carnival rides can be found on the midway.

As the winter draws near, the locals start guessing when the coldest day of the year will be, for the Delta Deep Freeze Classic. (The winner guesses, to the second, the coldest temperature between December 1st and February 28th.)

During the winter months, ice hockey is the sporting event to watch in the ice rink (generally known as the Ice Palace). Players range in age from five years to the high school division. 

Delta Junction at the End
of the Alaska Highway
(This picture from the Delta Chamber of Commerce's Web Site.)

Delta dates its beginnings from 1904. It was transportation on the Delta and Tanana rivers that brought about commerce and eventual settlement of the area. Furs, farming and fishing are still important here.

Bates Landing at the confluence of the Delta and Tanana rivers was a convenient stopover for travelers crossing the Tanana by ferry. In 1906 Bates Landing became Rika's Roadhouse, now in the National Register of Historic Places and the focal point of Big Delta State Historic Park.

(Photo courtesy of Julie Coghill.)

At the time, the area was called Buffalo Center for the Bison herd relocated here in 1928. Homesteading became important. Among the first to settle (in 1939) were Bert and Mary Hanson. Their daughter Irene Mead was the first white baby born in the area, and she's still there, playing a prominent role in local history and it's making.

Delta became the northern terminus of the Alcan Highway during World War II. The 1422 mile road is the only road link between Alaska and Canada and connects Alaska to the contiguous 48 States. It was built in 1942 for $115 million.

From World War II to the present, petroleum products transported through pipelines have played a great part in the growth and development of Delta. Delta's gradual growth with booms and busts has mirrored the pattern of Fairbanks to the north.

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