The first Midnight Sun Dance, sponsored by the Polar Promenaders, was held on June 18, 1966. The Polar Promenaders are inactive at the present time, so the tradition is being carried on by the Santa's Swingers Square and Round Dance Club. Back to Top Yukon 800 Marathon Riverboat Race Another highlight of Midnight Sun Weekend is the Yukon 800 riverboat race. It's an 800-mile race from Fairbanks to Galena and back along the Chena, Tanana and Yukon Rivers. Celebrating the longest day of the year with music, shopping, crafts, special entertainment, and a downtown street fair.
Many stores stay open until midnight.
Organizers claim an estimated 20,000 participated in 1997. We find that hard to swallow, but it is still a big event and worth joining in. In the past, a total of 40 bands and live acts have performed between noon and midnight in the parking lot between First and Second avenues, between Cushman and Lacey streets. Vendors have Alaskan-made arts and crafts for sale in display booths. In 1998, the music, food and family fun was followed by a parade at 6 p.m. featuring the Red Hackle Pipe Band and Chinese Ribbon Dancers.