Nome’s Midnight Sun Festival comes together at the last minute
By Sarah Manriquez
The annual Nome Midnight Sun Festival is set to return this weekend, albeit in a less action-packed version compared to previous years. For one, the customary bank robbery at high noon on Saturday is a big ‘Maybe.’
As of press time, there was no interest from the usual players to enact the bank robbery, says a longtime organizer, and while there are still a few days left until Midnight Sun festivities on Saturday, there is a chance it won’t happen.
Lead “robber” aka Ken Shapiro told the Nugget that unless people volunteer ahead of time, he will cancel the robbery.
He said props and costumes are available, a dress rehearsal is planned for Friday at 6 p.m. in front of Wells Fargo.
The fate of the parade also was questionable. For weeks, nobody knew who – if anyone — was organizing it. This uncertainty was brought up at a recent city council meeting as Mayor John Handeland pleaded with the public to find a volunteer to organize the Midnight Sun parade and activities.
Bridie Green, who in the past has been the organizational force behind the parade and the Golden Goose Lot booths, NYO and Native dancing, no longer resides in Nome and left a gaping hole in the coordination of Midnight Sun events. Lisa Pullock stepped up and began organizing the parade, which is taking place as usual at 11 a.m. on Front Street.
This year’s theme: Walking on Sunshine.
What began as a scramble to salvage the city’s signature solstice event has become a testament to Nome’s volunteer-driven spirit, with community members stepping up at the last hour to keep the tradition alive.
From gold nugget prizes to chicken feeds stretching down Front Street, the 2025 festival is going to look like this:
Thursday and Friday, June 19-20, 2025
12:45 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Chicken Feed
Sponsored and organized by the Bering Sea Lions Club
BBQ chicken, coleslaw, corn and drinks on Front Street in front of Breakers Bar. Cost is $20 and $15 for veterans and elders.
Saturday, June 22, 2025
8:30 a.m.
5k Gold Dust Dash
Sponsored and organized by Norton Sound Health Corporation, CAMP Department.
Registration is in person and starts at 8:30 a.m. Runners meet at the East End Park gazebo for registration. Entry fee is free for anyone who would like to participate in the race. The race starts at 9 a.m. Starting line will be on the beach right across from Swanberg Dredge.
First place female and male winners will win a gold nugget each.
11:00 a.m.
Midnight Sun Parade
Organized by Lisa Pullock
This year’s parade theme is “Walking on Sunshine.” Participants meet at 10:15 a.m. Online registration is encouraged but not required. Anyone is welcome to participate. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best floats via first, second and third place.
NOON (Maybe)
Bank robbery on Front Street at Wells Fargo.
2:00 p.m.
Polar Bear Plunge
Sponsored and organized by Nome Rotary Club
There is no entry fee to participate. Swimmers meet at East End Beach. Polar Bear Plunge will be followed by bonfire and reindeer dog cookout, $15 per plate.
Sunday, June 23, 2025
1 p.m.
Midnight Sun Raft Race
Sponsored and organized by the Bering Sea Lions Club
Signup at 12 noon at Kougarok Road, mile 13. Race starts at 1 p.m. at mile 13. Entry fee is $25 per team and teams must be made up of four people, rafts must be homemade and cannot be motorized. All crewmembers must be entirely wet by the finish line. Each person on the team will receive a shirt. Awards ceremony at 4:15 p.m. at Dexter.
PS: If you want volunteer for the bank robbery, please call Ken Shapiro ahead of time, ideally before Friday at 907-304-1058.