Nearly 600 Petersburg residents spent a rainy Friday evening aboard the state ferry Malaspina to help celebrate the Alaska Marine Highway’s 50th anniversary. They were welcomed with Norwegian dancing and homemade cookies in the shape of Alaska, the state flag, and a ferry. Many toured the bridge and had dinner in the cafeteria or a drink in the bar. Some shared stories of the first ferry stop in Petersburg a half century ago and memorable rides over the years. The town wrapped-up the event with a fireworks display as the Malaspina headed North for Juneau.
Matt Lichtenstein produced this sound portrait from evening: