Every year on the 4th of July, while most Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and barbecues, Alaskans in Glacier View have a uniquely destructive – yet strangely captivating – tradition. They launch cars off a cliff. This spectacle has become a must-see event, drawing crowds to witness vehicles of all kinds take a dramatic plunge. But where do they launch cars off a cliff, and how did this unusual custom begin?
The story behind this explosive celebration is as quirky as the event itself. It’s said to have originated from a relatable Alaskan mishap. Back in 2005, a local woman had an unfortunate encounter with a moose. The collision severely damaged her Volvo, and her husband, faced with extensive repairs, decided on a more direct approach to disposal. He drove the wrecked Volvo to a nearby cliff and sent it tumbling down, using rocks on the accelerator to ensure a final, gravity-assisted farewell.
What started as a pragmatic solution for one damaged vehicle morphed into an annual spectacle. Glacier View, located near Anchorage, became the epicenter of this automotive carnage. The event, often likened to a “Crazy Cars” show with a vertical twist, involves launching not just cars, but also pick-up trucks, vans, and even limousines into a ravine. Spectators gather to cheer as these vehicles are propelled into the air and crash down below.
The mechanics of this car-launching operation are surprisingly straightforward. No drivers are involved, of course. Instead, a system is set up to send the vehicles airborne remotely. One strap is used to lock the steering wheel in a straight position, ensuring the car heads directly towards the makeshift ramp at the cliff’s edge. Another strap is ingeniously rigged to jam down the accelerator pedal, sending the engine revving and the vehicle hurtling forward into the void.
The popularity of this event has grown significantly over the years. Recent videos showcase massive crowds gathering at the base of the almost 100-meter cliff, eager to witness the automotive acrobatics. Adding to the festive atmosphere, many of the cars are decorated in patriotic themes, befitting the Independence Day celebration. Often adorned with junkyard finds and American flags, the vehicles become rolling canvases of patriotic expression before their final flight.
While the car destruction derby is undoubtedly the highlight of Glacier View’s 4th of July festivities, it’s just one part of the celebration. However, it’s the roaring engines and crashing metal that truly captivate the thousands of attendees who come to witness this unusual tradition.
Despite the seemingly destructive nature of launching cars off a cliff, environmental responsibility is taken seriously in Alaska. After the spectacle concludes, the wrecked vehicles are recovered and recycled. Even the local fire department is on standby, ready to descend the cliff and manage any grass fires that might ignite from the impacts. This ensures that even this unique and somewhat wild tradition is carried out with consideration for the Alaskan environment. So, the next time you’re wondering where do they launch cars off a cliff, remember Glacier View, Alaska, on the 4th of July, for a truly unforgettable – and uniquely Alaskan – Independence Day celebration.
