Thursday, September 07, 2006
Alaska State Fair – Something for Everyone!
As summer wanes and August arrives in Alaska, everybody’s attention turns to the Alaska State Fair. This old fashioned state fair runs the last two weeks of the month winding up the summer season on Labor Day. It offers a myriad of activities and literally has something for everyone in the family.
This year I had the good fortune to be in the Mat-Su valley at just the right time and had the opportunity to enjoy a day at the Fair. Even though August 2006 went down as the third rainiest in history in the Mat-Su Valley, a little rain never deters a good Alaskan (or a hearty Outsider…) bent on experiencing this once a year treat.
There was a midway for the younger set and plenty of games and entertainment for the adults. Throughout the run of the Fair, in addition to some really fine local talent, top-notch entertainment like Hobo Jim, Ted Nugent and Crystal Gayle also performed. There was an Alaskan Freestyle MOTO-X show, a fiddle contest, dirt track racing and a demolition derby. There was a lumberjack show, a rodeo and oh my…. food, food, food in every direction. (Well, YES! I was forced to sample a few things in the name or research…)
There were also the traditional exhibits of livestock, where you could meet Bart, who claimed to be the best crowing rooster in the barn, and a litter of very cute piglets. There were flowers, baked goods, canned goods, needlework, quilts and more. There was also a very nice photography exhibit done by local photographers. The 4H exhibits were especially nice and meeting a farmer who still raises chicks the way my grandmother did on the farm years ago was an especially nice treat. (OOPS! I guess I am dating myself, aren’t I???) Several evenings the day ended with a fireworks display that added to the festivities.
And, of course, the highlight of the fair for many was the giant cabbage weigh-off. This year’s winner was 73.40 pounds. It was a bit smaller than last year’s winner but VERY impressing, nonetheless.
The fair grounds are located right along the Glenn highway in Palmer and are very easy to find. The Alaska Railroad tracks run along side and you can take the train out from Anchorage for the day and not have to worry about either driving or parking.
If you find yourself in Alaska at the end of August do try and spend a day at the Alaska State Fair. It is a truly unique Alaskan experience.
For more information on the fair: http://www.alaskastatefair.org/
There were also the traditional exhibits of livestock, where you could meet Bart, who claimed to be the best crowing rooster in the barn, and a litter of very cute piglets. There were flowers, baked goods, canned goods, needlework, quilts and more. There was also a very nice photography exhibit done by local photographers. The 4H exhibits were especially nice and meeting a farmer who still raises chicks the way my grandmother did on the farm years ago was an especially nice treat. (OOPS! I guess I am dating myself, aren’t I???) Several evenings the day ended with a fireworks display that added to the festivities.
And, of course, the highlight of the fair for many was the giant cabbage weigh-off. This year’s winner was 73.40 pounds. It was a bit smaller than last year’s winner but VERY impressing, nonetheless.
The fair grounds are located right along the Glenn highway in Palmer and are very easy to find. The Alaska Railroad tracks run along side and you can take the train out from Anchorage for the day and not have to worry about either driving or parking.
If you find yourself in Alaska at the end of August do try and spend a day at the Alaska State Fair. It is a truly unique Alaskan experience.
For more information on the fair: http://www.alaskastatefair.org/
# posted by Pat : 4:34 PM
