(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Kodiak Alaska is a city on Kodiak Island in the Kodiak Island Borough
of Alaska. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city
is 6,273. The city holds about half of the community's population.
Climate and Culture
Kodiak is sometimes referred to as "Alaska's Emerald Isle". With a maritime
climate, Kodiak is known for its rain. This creates lush green during the summer
months. Winter temperatures are moderate. While snow storms and freezing
temperatures are not uncommon, neither are warm, above-freezing temperatures
with rain.
Kodiak has a rich Alutiiq culture. Kodiak's cultural traditions and history can
be found at the Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository, the Baranov Museum,
and the Kodiak Military History Museum.
The lifestyles of many Kodiak residents still include subsistence food
gathering. Fishing (particularly for salmon and halibut), hunting (for
black-tailed deer, elk, and goats), and berry-picking (salmonberry, blueberry,
and high- and low-bush cranberry) are common summer and fall activities. The
community also has a number of large chain stores, including Wal-Mart and
Safeway.
Community Events
The City of Kodiak is home to a number of annual events that draw locals and
people from off-island. The most well-known of these is Kodiak Crab Festival.
Organized by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce the event takes place over Memorial
Day weekend. It includes a county fair-style main event, with carnival rides,
food and game booths, and group activities. In addition, a number of events are
organized over the three-day weekend that include a kayak race, a marathon, an
ultra-marathon, a 9.2-mile mountain run called the Pillar Mountain Run and
others.