Kotzebue, with a population of about 3000, is the largest Eskimo community above the North American Arctic Circle. Though incorporated as a city, Kotzebue is essentially still a village, and offers a wide variety of interesting experiences to visitors. The village is situated on the northern tip of the Baldwin Peninsula, 26 miles above the Arctic Circle, 1479 miles south of the North Pole and 175 miles from the Siberian mainland. Kotzebue has a tundra climate. Summer temperatures average in the 50's, though some days reach into the 70's and even the 80's. Winter temperatures vary between 10 degrees above and 30 degrees below zero. Current records maintain a high of 85 degrees, set in July of 1958 and a low of 52 below, set in February of 1968. This does not however include the windchill factor which has on occasion reached 100 below. Area rivers begin freezing early in October; break-up occurs late in May or early June. During the winter months, ice in the Kotzebue Sound freezes to a depth of approximately five feet. The Sound may remain frozen into the second week of June, while the surrounding tundra is alive with spring growth. June 2nd brings with it a sunrise which sets some 37 days later in August. On August 8th, those who wish, have the opportunity to see not one, but two sunsets. Believe it or not, Kotzebue actually lies some distance west of Hawaii. The International Date Line passes through the Bering Straits between Kotzebue and Siberia. The Kotzebue of today is filled with modern frame houses that have replaced the traditional sod igloos. Many features of the past, however, have not changed. "Main Street" is simply the gravel beach fronting the village.