* this record has stood since 1994 … 26 years!

** Pending acceptance and recognition from Guinness World Records. Pre-registered with Guinness / # 200823225636 hfvg

Posted May 22, 2020 at 5pm

Strategizes new, safe experiences for Alaskans 

It is with deep regret that the Alaska State Fair Board of Directors and CEO have made the decision to cancel the Alaska State Fair for the first time since 1942 during World War II. The cancellation is due to the continuing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Production of an event the size and scope of the traditional Alaska State Fair requires extraordinary, year-round efforts of our small, hard-working staff. We need to make decisions now based on what we know today, not how we hope things will be in August. We have now reached the point that with
all the conjecture surrounding mandates and recommendations for mass gatherings of this scale, it just will not be possible to deliver the same experience fairgoers have come to expect from the State’s largest celebration. Each day brings insurmountable challenges to overcome.

Our goal is and always has been to produce a traditional State Fair that is the last blast of summer where all feel welcome, safe and secure. We plan to come back next year with a 2021 Alaska State Fair that is even bigger and better than ever!

Until then, our staff is working diligently to offer our guests new fun, safe, socially distant experiences. We are excited to extend the popular Pop-up Drive-in movies, offer our first Food Truck Fare event starting next week, and spread joy with our new Bright Up the Night drive-through light
display this holiday season.

If you’ve purchased tickets to this year’s fair or events with a credit card, your charges will be refunded back into that account. It is not necessary to contact the Fair as those ticket holders will soon see their credit. We will be contacting anyone who paid with another form of payment.

Thank you for your continued support of the Alaska State Fair. We look forward to the time when we can all gather again safely to celebrate the Alaska State Fair’s proud award-winning history.

See you next year,

Jerome Hertel
CEO

Posted April 28, 2020 at 2pm

To our valued guests and partners,

There is no higher priority for us than protecting your health and safety, and we just want to say thank you for all the years of incredible memories. For being there for each other and for staying strong during this difficult and unprecedented time.

Our goal now is to do what we can to serve our fellow Alaskans. The fairgrounds may be used as a disaster relief center and as such, have offered our facilities to the Mat-Su Borough and the Governor’s Task Force for use whatever the need may be. Be it a temporary hospital, temporary shelter, drive through testing site, and/or food distribution center. Should we be called upon, our staff is ready.

The Fair board and staff remain cautiously optimistic that the 2020 Alaska State Fair and the AT&T Concert Series will occur as planned this fall. We continue to gather information and evaluate probable scenarios under constantly changing CDC recommendations and state and federal mandates. We will refine and update our plan as we receive advice from expert sources. The decision regarding what the Fair will look like this year will become more clear in the weeks ahead with a decision being made no later than June 25th. Please refer to alaskastatefair.org and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels for updates.

Together, we have laughed, sang, danced, cheered, screamed, celebrated, and eaten way too much. We’ve seen epic concerts, conquered fears on thrilling carnival rides, explored world class exhibits, adored pint-sized critters, witnessed the awe of record-setting giant vegetables, and enjoyed mind-blowing entertainment. But we are far from done. 

While things may appear quiet here on the fairgrounds, please know that our team is working hard preparing to welcome everyone this fall to one of our state’s most treasured traditions – the Alaska State Fair; and it’ll carry more meaning than it ever has before. Whether this year or next, we’ll be here for you.

Sincerely,

Your Alaska State Fair Family

$7,500 Awarded to Five Alaska High School Students

Palmer, Alaska – Congratulations to the five high school students selected as recipients of the Alaska State Fair 2020 scholarships! This year, the Fair received 58 applications and selected five students to receive scholarships totaling $7,500.

1st place, $3,000: Isabella Weiss. Isabella is a senior graduating as valedictorian of Colony High School, while concurrently beginning her college coursework at the University of Washington. Inspired by her volunteer work with No More Mat-Su, a campaign to end domestic violence and sexual assault, Isabella plans to pursue a degree in public health to better the health of her community. In Isabella’s scholarship application, she created a video explaining her vision for an online platform that would allow the Fair to increase accessibility and participation for as many Alaskans as possible across the vast state. “I am grateful that my ideas about providing an online platform to allow more Alaskans to experience the festive flavor of the Fair can contribute to the larger conversation about ways to make this incredible event even better,” she said.

2nd place, $2,000: Casey Gooch. Casey, a senior graduating from Mat-Su Career and Tech High School, will be attending Brigham Young University this fall. Attending the Fair is an annual event for Casey’s family, which volunteers at the petting zoo each year. During high school, Casey has been very involved with Girls Who Code, and she drew upon this experience to create a Fair app for her scholarship application. The app, designed specifically for fairgoers, includes searchable information on vendors, exhibits and events, as well as a list of carnival rides with details on tickets required, a map and more. “As a regular fairgoer, this app would make an immense impact on my experience, and I am sure it could improve the experience of every fairgoer,” Casey said.

3rd place, $1,500: Cameron Blackwell. Cameron, a senior at Soldotna High School, plans to attend the Honors College at Boise State University or the University of North Carolina this fall, majoring in health sciences on the pre-medicine track. “Working in the health care field as a family physician is what I want to do to not only help my community, but Alaska as a whole,” Cameron said. In her scholarship application, she explained her idea for creating stations at the Fair to educate people on personal hygiene and other health issues. Free health screenings, handwashing demonstrations, a cell phone cleaning station, and information on health care careers are some of the topics she proposed focusing on at the booths. “This opportunity would make the Fair not only a fun space, but one that reiterates and educates Alaskans on the importance of staying healthy,” Cameron said.

Honorable mention, $500: Braden VanderWeele. Braden is a senior at Palmer High School, and expects to attend Wichita State University, pursuing a major in the computer field. As a farmer’s son, one of Braden’s fondest childhood memories was harvesting and donating carrots (with the tops still on) to kids at a family fun run. “I have a very clear memory of kids walking around the playground snacking on giant carrots with the tops still attached. I felt proud of that. We have supplied carrots to that event every year since then,” Braden said. In his Fair scholarship application, Braden explained his idea for a Fair food booth that he would name “TOPS” and sell, among other things, deep-friend carrots. “I could re-live the happiness I felt so many years ago, watching happy people walk around with Alaska Grown carrots with the tops still attached, at the Alaska State Fair,” he said.

Honorable mention, $500: Jessica Yang. A senior graduating from West Anchorage High School, Jessica plans to study ethnicities, psychology and public health at Amherst College this fall. “I aspire to become a more impactful advocate for open, cross-cultural dialogue to promote mental health in our increasingly diverse world,” she said. In her Fair application, Jessica described her idea for creating a multi-cultural storytelling event at the Fair. The idea stemmed from her personal experience leading storytelling discussions centered on mental health and self advocacy, and launching a digital archive of 100+ mental health stories to increase awareness for mental illness. “I choose to continue using storytelling and collaboration in my dreams of advocating for more supportive communities,” she said.

Fair scholarships are open to all Alaska junior and senior high school students who plan to attend college or vocational school. The next call for applications will be made in early 2021. For more information, contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at [email protected] or 907-746-7166.

Palmer, Alaska – The Alaska State Fair is pleased to announce the first two acts in the 2020 AT&T Concert Series: traditional country singer Jon Pardi on August 29, and the genre-crossing, multilingual orchestra Pink Martini on September 3. Concerts take place rain or shine at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre on the fairgrounds. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, November 29 at 10 a.m.

Saturday, August 29: Jon Pardi. This traditional country singer is known for his throwback sound, as heard on hits like “Dirt on My Boots,” “Heartache on the Dancefloor” and “Night Shift.” His 2014 debut, Write You a Song, featured the Top 10 party song, “Up All Night,” while his sophomore album, California Sunrise, included his first #1 single, “Head Over Boots.” Pardi released his third full-length album, Heartache Medication, in September of this year. He was named New Male Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards and New Artist of the Year by the Country Music Association Awards in 2017.

Thursday, September 3. Pink Martini featuring China Forbes. Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world, and crossing genres of classical, jazz and classic pop, Thomas Lauderdale founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 1994. Today, featuring lead singer China Forbes and a dozen musicians with songs in 25 languages, Pink Martini performs its multilingual repertoire on concert stages and with symphony orchestras around the globe. The band’s debut album, Sympathique, garnered nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Best New Artist” in France.

Concert-goers will have the option to purchase concert-only tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The included admission is at a discounted price and good any day of the Fair. Concert tickets including Fair admission must be purchased by August 26. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply on all concert ticket purchases. Visit the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org, for additional information on the confirmed concerts, and watch for the forthcoming 2020 concert announcements. For more information, contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at [email protected] or 907-746-7166.

Mighty Monster Boo Fest on October 26

Like Halloween? Love great beer? Then don’t miss the Mighty Monster Boo Fest (aka Mighty Matanuska Brewfest) at the Alaska State Fair! The popular annual brewfest, now sanctioned by the Brewers Guild of Alaska and supported by KAYO, takes place Saturday, October 26 from 6 – 10 p.m. at Raven Hall on the fairgrounds.

There will be plenty of brews and Halloween fun at this year’s event, which will feature beers and brewers from the Mat-Su Valley, across Alaska and around the world. Among the featured local breweries are Alaskan Brewing Co., Arkose Brewery, Bearpaw River Brewing Company, Bleeding Heart Brewery, Denali Brewing Co., Glacier BrewHouse, Kassik’s Brewery, Girdwood Brewing Company, Gakona Brewing Company, King Street Brewing Company, Kenai River Brewing Company, 49th State Brewing Matanuska Brewing Company and The Last Frontier Brewing Company.

In celebration of Halloween weekend, there will be a new faster format for the costume contest with great prizes beginning at 8:45 p.m. Live music by Nervis Rex starts at 7 p.m., and a silent auction and raffle with prizes is also on the agenda for the evening. There will be beer friendly food and will be available for purchase.

Tickets are also available at Vagabond Blues, Three Bears, and Purple Moose Espresso. Each $35 ticket comes with 20 3-ounce beer samples. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10, and include non-alcoholic beverages. Convenience fees apply.

All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21+ and show a valid ID. Brewfest patrons are reminded to plan in advance for a safe ride home by lining up a designated driver or planning to call a taxi.

“Another successful year,” with growth in concert sales and attendance

Palmer, Alaska – With another year of hosting the state’s largest annual event under its belt, the Alaska State Fair is calling the 2019 event a success. The 2019 Fair took place August 22 – September 2 at the fairgrounds in Palmer, where fairgoers for the most part enjoyed unseasonably warm, dry weather.

The Fair saw increases in both AT&T Concert Series ticket sales, as well as attendance. Ticket sales at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre were up 6.8 percent, driven by popular concerts such as Dustin Lynch, who drew more than 5,200 concert-goers, as well as near sell-outs for Shinedown and Cole Swindell performances. Meanwhile, total estimated attendance for 2019 was 303,989, a 2.8 percent increase over last year.

That success extended to other Fair events; there wasn’t an open seat in the BP Grandstand at the sold-out Demolition Derby and all three All Star Monster Trucks shows.

Over in Farm Exhibits, the 4-H Junior Market Livestock Auction set yet another record, raising $257,000 from the sale of 76 animals this year – up $33,000 from last year.

New records extended to the crops department, which saw 10 new state records set in the first and second entries, including melon, garlic, quinoa, sunflower, ginseng, hot pepper and pumpkin.

There was a lot of excitement at the 14^th annual Alaska’s Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off, with Dale Marshall taking first place with a state-record-breaking 2,051-pound pumpkin, and second place going to junior grower Thomas Whitmire and his 280-pound entry. 

While there were no new records set in the 24^th annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off, this year’s entries were still impressive, with first place going to Walter Chastain of Wasilla for his 77.5-pound cabbage.

“A big thank you for another great year. Whether you enjoyed old favorites or experienced a new adventure, we hope you enjoyed the 2019 Fair,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair general manager. “To our employees, volunteers, vendors, entertainers, sponsors and, of course, our loyal customers, your efforts and attendance are greatly appreciated. Your hard work and dedication have made for another successful year.”

Watch the Fair website and social media channels for additional details on the 2019 Fair. For more information, please visit alaskastatefair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at [email protected] or 907-746-7166.

It’s almost Fair Time, and what better way to kick it off than the “Third Annual Alaska State Fair Instagram Takeover?” Talk about #CrazyGood #AKFairFun!

What’s a Takeover, you ask? Well, Takeovers are popular activities on social networks, especially Instagram, where different people – usually celebrities or well-known personalities – “take over” someone else’s account for a period of time and post their own content.

From August 22 through September 2, experience the sights and sounds of the Fair through the eyes of Alaskans who will share their unique perspectives on the Official Alaska State Fair Instagram Feed.

Follow the hashtag #AKFairFun on Instagram and Twitter to see their posts each day.

So who are our 2019 Alaska State Fair Influencers? We’ll let them introduce themselves!

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8/22 Thursday – Energy Day

Don Chon

Day Sponsor: AOGA

Anchorage

I am a Cinematographer/Photographer. I have been taking photos for about 10 years and filming for 5. I do everything from concert recap videos to weddings to commercials and basically anything behind the camera. I post the majority of my content on Instagram, and I have a YouTube Channel where I have a podcast and other pieces of content like vlogging or creative shorts I film shot with either my RED Gemini Cinema Camera or 1DX Mkii or GH5.

INSTAGRAM – https://instagram.com/don2chon/

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8/23 Friday – GCI Kids Day

Nick Hanson

Day Sponsor: GCI

Unalakleet

As a motivational speaker, I have made it my goal in life to reach as many youth as possible with the message – “Know Who You Are”. As a World Eskimo Indian Olympics athlete [competing domestic and internationally] & a 4X Competitor on the TV Show American Ninja Warrior, The Eskimo Ninja has become a household name. After a narrow elimination in 2015 (3 TENTHS OF A SECOND!!), this Inupiaq from Unalakleet, Alaska, has only continued to improve, hitting every qualifying buzzer since, including conquering the 18ft Mega Wall in Season 10! I have also qualified for the Las Vegas finals every year since my first appearance on the show, and have made it to Stage 2 of the finals. But thats not enough. With much larger goals in mind, The Eskimo Ninja hopes to conquer the Ultimate Ninja Goal — conquer Mt. Madoriyama.

INSTAGRAM – https://instagram.com/eskimoninja/

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8/24 Saturday – Club49 Family Day

Jessica Somers – Somers in Alaska

Day Sponsor: Alaska Airlines

North Pole

We are the Somers family – a family of five living in North Pole, Alaska! Small business owners, property managers, and a homeschooling family documenting our life here in Alaska on our YouTube channel SomersInAlaska. We started building our dream Alaskan Farmhouse three years ago and wanted to document the process along the way, all while capturing our family memories. We love sharing tips and helpful information with our viewers who plan to visit or one day move to the amazing state of Alaska!

INSTAGRAM – http://instagram.com/somersinalaska

YOUTUBE – www.youtube.com/somersinalaska

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8/25 Sunday – Destination Day

Jess Crow – Crow Creek Designs

Palmer

I am Jess Crow, the owner and operator of Crow Creek Designs located in Palmer! I am a furniture designer and builder specializing in artistic concepts capturing the wilds of Alaska, oceans from around the world, and much more. My work can be seen in local restaurants, as well as across the nation on a smaller scale. I grew up in Fairbanks and moved down to Anchorage when I was a teen; finally calling the Valley home after the births of my three daughters.

INSTAGRAM – http://instagram.com/crowcreekdesigns

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8/26 Monday – Wellness Day

Michelle Sparck – ArXotica

Day Sponsor: Southcentral Foundation

Bethel

ArXotica, an amalgam of Arctic and Exotic, is a triplet sister-owned enterprise. We source our own micro-nutrient rich ingredients from the Yukon-Kuskokwim province for a refined skin care line. We work to become a strong brand presence in the beauty industry that has, at its center, social responsibility to the Arctic and conservation of its resources.

INSTAGRAM – http://instagram.com/arxotica

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8/27 Tuesday – Senior Day

Laura Sampson – Little House, Big Alaska

Palmer

I’m the baker behind the BBC-featured group, “The Great British Baking Show Bake-Along.” I love to bake in my 1935 Farmhouse in Palmer, Alaska. Thankfully, I have teen boys to help me enjoy all the goodies I create. Besides writing at Little House Big Alaska, my husband and I also own Palmer Folk School. I’m happiest when I’m creating my next in-person or online food event. What will it be next? Tune in and find out!

INSTAGRAM – https:/instagram.com/littlehousebigalaska/

FACEBOOK – http://facebook.com/littlehousebigalaska

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8/28 Wednesday – Cosplay Day

Keri Lord – SubZero Heroes Alaska

Anchorage

I’m a local volunteer superhero and princess cosplayer on a mission to make kids smile. In 2018, I organized the all-volunteer superhero and villain group SubZero Heroes Alaska. Teaming up with local businesses, nonprofit and charity groups, we are able to bring “superhero magic” to community events and fundraisers. When not out saving the world, I enjoy crafting, yoga and indulging my inner nerd in comic books and pop culture. I am currently working on a Superhero Storytime program with the Anchorage Library. You can reach me through email at [email protected] or through FaceBook and Instagram under @subzeroheroesak.

INSTAGRAM – http://instagram.com/subzeroheroesak and https://www.instagram.com/farnorthcosplay/

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8/29 Thursday – MTA Day

Amy Lynn Grue – Alaskan Mama Vlogger

Day Sponsor: MTA

Eagle River

I’m Amylynn aka Alaskan Mama Vlogger! Lifestyle Content Creator and Influencer on YouTube and Instagram. Also the owner of AK Mama Birth Stories; where I film and document labor and delivery and turn it into cinematic birth films. I am born and raised in Alaska and love sharing the reality of raising five kids in modern day Alaska. My husband and I love sharing our Alaskan adventures, hiking, camping and the everyday joyful chaos as a family of seven in Eagle River Alaska.

INSTAGRAM – https://instagram.com/alaskanmamavlogger/

YOUTUBE – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBxudMVoyqr3nh1Lh8kmPXA?

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8/30 Friday – Tech Day

Liz Alaska – @LizAlaskaBeauty

Anchorage

I’m an LA transplant to Alaska, a skincare enthusiast, logging my daily routine, sharing my thoughts, mistakes and reviews. #LizAlaskaLife

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lizalaskabeauty/

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8/31 Saturday – Mining Day

Charis Lincoln – Charisma Star 

Day Sponsor: Council of Alaska Producers (CAP) 

North Pole

I’m a beauty and lifestyle vlogger living in North Pole, Alaska. Since 2010, I’ve created makeup transformations and colorful looks on YouTube and Instagram. In 2012, I won the first-ever NYX FACE Awards in Los Angeles, CA. After living in L.A., traveling the world, and working with brands such as Disney, L’Oreal Paris, Nickelodeon, BH Cosmetics, and ABC Family, my husband and I decided to move back home to Alaska and start a family. With the addition of our new baby boy, I continue to create inspiring content and fun for the whole family!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/charismastar/

YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/charismastar

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9/1 Sunday – Military Appreciation Day

Adam & Sherri Legg – LeggLife

Day Sponsor: GEICO and GEICO Military

Anchorage

Hi, we’re Adam and Sherri Legg, online creators from Anchorage! One of our core values is to live our lives out loud and on purpose, and we love that we have the opportunity to do that online like never before! Our goal is to create fun, inspiring, family-friendly content that connects with people in encouraging and authentic ways.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/legglifeak/

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/legglifeak

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9/2 Monday – First Responders Day

Blaze Bell

Anchorage

I’m a Singer, Motivational Speaker, and an Empowerment Coach. I was voted “Best Vocalist” in the 2018 Press Picks for work with the band, Blaze & Eric. I received the 2019 First Lady Volunteer of the Year award for my work with Victims for Justice and STAR. I can be found singing all over Anchorage and playing with my fun kids, Lyric and Jazz.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/blazebellbliss/

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(Palmer, AK) – The Alaska Division of Agriculture invites the public to submit nominations for the 20th Annual Farm Family of the Year award, which will be presented at the 2019 Alaska State Fair.

With support from Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, the Alaska State Fair established the award in 2000 to honor an Alaska farm family that epitomizes the spirit of the industry, and to show appreciation for hard-working Alaskans committed to agriculture and aquaculture.

The Farm Family of the Year selection committee includes representatives from the University of Alaska, the agriculture industry, and several state and federal agricultural agencies.

Nominations should include details about the family and fulfill the following criteria:

• Production of quality Alaska Grown products (not based on quantity)
• Community involvement (e.g. civic organizations, school, sports, church)
• Involvement in agricultural industry organizations (local, state, and federal)
• Overall farm family image, farming history, and unique or special production

Nominations are due by June 30, 2019 and can be submitted by mail, email, or fax to:

Johanna Herron, Market Access and Food Safety Manager
Alaska Division of Agriculture 1800 Glenn Hwy, Suite 12
Palmer, AK 99645
j[email protected]
Phone: (907) 631-1593
Fax: (907) 745-7112