In Glacier View, Alaska, the Fourth of July celebration is anything but typical. Instead of fireworks, this small town marks Independence Day by launching cars off a cliff in a thrilling and unconventional tradition that has been a highlight for nearly two decades.
This unique celebration sees vehicles, some adorned with American flags, hurtling off a cliff, achieving a fleeting moment of flight before crashing into twisted heaps of metal. The spectacle is accompanied by rock anthems like Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son" and Nickelback's "Burn It to the Ground," adding to the electrifying atmosphere.
"You gotta see cars fly," an attendee told Alaska News Source, capturing the excitement and anticipation of the event. This year's festivities saw the highest number of airborne automobiles yet, with a dozen vehicles, including police cruisers and buses, making the dramatic plunge.
The tradition attracts thousands of spectators, some arriving as early as 8:45 am to secure the best viewing spots. For just $20, attendees can witness the spectacle, which many consider "the most quintessentially American way" to celebrate the Fourth of July.
The mechanics of the event vary; some cars are propelled by a monorail system, while others are simply released to roll freely down the cliff, often with a block of wood keeping the accelerator pressed. The result is a series of airborne cars performing unintentional stunts before crashing in a spectacular display.
This quirky and exhilarating tradition has turned Glacier View into a magnet for thrill-seekers and spectators from around the world, eager to experience the unique freedom that comes from watching cars take flight off a cliff.
