History of Douglas continues through Independence Day celebrations

[mouakter13]

The Douglas community celebrated both old and new ways to be active Friday afternoon during the island’s annual Independence Day celebration.

Children dashed into their parents’ arms as Maggie Swanson, president of the Douglas Fourth of July Committee, looked on. The annual field races were one of many festivities following the Douglas parade.

“Douglas is about community and family and kids, and that’s what this is,” Swanson said. “You see everybody out having a wonderful time and that’s why we do this.”

The Juneau Disc Golf Club was recognized as the grand country email list marshal of this year’s parade because of its Treadwell disc golf course, Swanson said.

Juneau Youth Services handed out 100 free discs while club members pedaled around the street in pedicabs.

Ed Schoenfeld, a previous grand marshal, gave Shannon Crossley his sash to wear in the parade. For Crossley, a “third-generation Douglas girl,” it was an honor.

“I honestly felt my grandma with me,” Crossley said. “She would have been so excited.”

Shannon Crossley (left) watches the Douglas parade on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Shannon Crossley (left) watches the Douglas parade on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Shannon Crossley was involved with building the nine-hole course at the Treadwell Historical Park in 2022.

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Approximately 30 volunteers assisted with the installation, which took just three and a half hours. Crossley said she often sees children holding discs and walking down the street to play in the same woods she grew up exploring. She said the course was built because the club was teaching the sport to the youth of Juneau.