Celebrating Alaska’s Gold Rush Train

Alaska

The White Pass & Yukon Route train celebrates the 100th anniversary of the driving of the golden spike (signaling the line’s completion) with a festival on July 29 in Skagway. The train route goes through some of the state’s most ruggedly beautiful terrain. Descendants of original contractors will be on hand for a reenactment. Also planned: railroad music and free rides on a steam engine.

Contact the White Pass & Yukon Route, P.O. Box 435, Skagway, AK 99840; telephone (907) 983-2217, Internet https://www.whitepassrailroad.com.

Florida

More than 600 snorkelers and divers are expected to submerge for the 16th annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival on July 8 at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. The concert--made possible by special speakers suspended beneath boats--features water-themed music as well as recorded humpback whale songs. In previous years the Snorkeling Elvises and underwater brass bands have made surprise appearances.

Contact the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 430511, Big Pine Key, FL 33043; tel. (800) 872-3722, Internet https://www.fla-keys.com.

Massachusetts

The Tall Ships sail into Boston Harbor once every eight years. This year they arrive July 11, escorted by the USS Constitution, and will remain until July 16. Highlights include the Grand Sail, fireworks, and crew and cadet sports competitions. Best viewing spots include North Jetty, Waterfront Park and the wharf area of Atlantic Avenue. Local cruise companies will offer harbor cruises during this time for up-close views. Most tall ships will be available for touring.

Contact the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4510, Boston, MA 02116; tel. (617) 973-8500, Internet https://www.sailboston.com.

New Jersey

Hoboken’s 90th annual St. Ann’s Italian Festival, July 20 to 26, pays homage to the neighborhood’s strong Italian roots. On St. Ann’s feast day, July 26, the women of the parish carry a 600-pound statue of the saint on their shoulders through the streets for six hours. Every night the streets around the church are blocked off, and crowds gather for food and music. July 25 is Frank Sinatra Night--he was born in Hoboken.

Contact St. Ann’s Church, 704 Jefferson St., Hoboken, NJ 07030-2010; tel. (201) 659-1116, Internet https://www.saint-ann.org.

Canada

The 33rd du Maurier Quebec City Summer Festival, July 6 to 16, showcases more than 500 performers from all over the world for world-beat and French-language music. Also on the bill: rock, jazz, Cajun, folk, hip-hop, blues and classical music.

Contact the du Maurier Quebec City Summer Festival, 580 Grande Allee Est, Suite 150, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada G1R 2K2; tel. (888) 992-5200, Internet https://www.infofestival.com.

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