Gov. Dunleavy holds Open House following a long-standing tradition

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Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 1:21 AM

By Jasz Garrett

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The Governor's Residence decorated for Christmas. (All photos credit to Jasz Garrett/KINY)

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Governor's Annual Holiday Open House at the Governor's Residence was held Tuesday evening.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy spoke to News of the North on how it felt to invite the community to celebrate with him.

"I think it's a great tradition that Alaska has. It's been going on for a long time. I think Juneau really enjoys it. I know there's some folks that come in from outside of Juneau as well. It's the people's house. It's the holidays. We have some great volunteers that dress up the house. I think it's great that people come here. And I think it's terrific that this is a tradition that the state and this city has had for many, many years."

Territorial Governor Walter Eli Clark and his family held the first open house on New Year's Day, 1913.

Dunleavy is Alaska's 12th Governor and began his term in office in 2018.

The tradition has been held yearly, apart from two years during World War II and 2020, due to COVID-19.

Gov. Dunleavy remarked on being together again post-pandemic.

"Everyone was being very cautious and we want to make sure that people felt safe. So we're glad that's behind us and we're optimistic and we're looking towards the future. So this is great to have this going again here in 2022 this Christmas celebration."

Alaska's newly elected Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom and Mr. Kit Dahlstrom were in attendance also.

Above and below: From left to right: Mr. Kit Dahlstrom, Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom, Rose Dunleavy, and Gov. Dunleavy stand inside welcoming people.

The Residence featured performances by Faith Community School, Catherine Pashigan, the Floyd Dryden Choir, JAMM, the JDHS Band and Choral, TMHS Jazz, Vox Borealis, and Sherry Patterson.

Above: Juneau Alaska Music Matters (JAMM) performed by the Governor's Christmas tree. Below: A little girl is mesmerized by the Christmas train track going 'round and 'round.

This year's cookies include chocolate chip, peppermint macaron, apple caramel oatmeal, and chocolate espresso.

Above: The selection of cookies, fudge, and crumbles, catered by Red Spruce. Below: Salvation Army accepted donations. From left to right: Gary Diekmann, Shane Halverson, and Larry Gamez.

Below: The Governor's Christmas tree.

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