WHEREAS, Alaska’s strong history of community and tradition is reflected in many summertime activities, including the sharing of foods, recipes, and enjoying outdoor activities together; and

WHEREAS, across the United States and in Alaska, barbecuing provides a friendly and informal setting where people gather together to share each other’s company during warm summer weather and enjoy classic American-style and uniquely Alaskan meals; and

WHEREAS, during the month of July, many families and friends across Alaska will gather around the table and a barbecue grill to share celebrations, spend quality time together, and enjoy the bounty of seafood and game that our state has been blessed with; and

WHEREAS, the Alaska BBQ Association will host its 11th annual State BBQ Championships in Fairbanks from July 25-26, a unique Alaskan competition that tests the skills and creativity of Alaska’s most dedicated barbecuers, who bring local flavor to the competitions through their use of Alaska seafood and other regional tastes; and

WHEREAS, we encourage Alaskans to take the opportunity to join in the spirit of barbecuing as a form of culinary art and technique or simply as a way to enjoy good food and the company of loved ones, embracing this year’s Alaska BBQ Association theme of “Just ‘Q’ IT.”

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Walker, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim July, 2015 as:

BBQ Month

in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to appreciate the friendships, festivities, and camaraderie that can take place around barbecue grills all over the state.

Dated: June 29, 2015

via Alaska.gov