Author: Rachel Grenier

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Get Your Tickets for 2017 Fair Concert Series

Tickets for the 2017 AT&T Concert Series at the Alaska State Fair are now on sale to the general public! Who are you going to see?

There are four easy ways to get your tickets to the 2017 AT&T Concert Series:

  • Online at alaskastatefair.org and print at home. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • On the Fair’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/alaskastatefair.
  • On a mobile phone. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • The Borealis Box Office during the Fair. No convenience fees at the Fair box office. Fair admission additional.

Want to find out more about this year’s line-up? Visit our website for ticket prices, bios, photos and performance samples.

The final four concerts in our 2017 series are being confirmed, and we will announce them soon on our Facebook page and website. Stay tuned!

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Closer look at the 2018 Fair

Fair sees increases of 46% in concert sales, 5.7% in gate revenues, 4% in attendance

With final numbers in, it was definitively a good year at the 2018 Alaska State Fair, which took place August 23 – September 3 at the fairgrounds in Palmer.

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Concerts, attendance & revenue up

Most notably, ticket sales for our AT&T Concert Series were up 46.3 percent from 2017 and 8.5 percent up from 2016, with a total of 28,515 tickets sold in 2018. Concerts featuring breakthrough country star Luke Combs and acclaimed violinist Lindsey Stirling were sold out, while Goo Goo Dolls and Juice WRLD were near capacity.

Fair attendance was up as well, with attendance of 292,973 in 2018, an increase of 4.2 percent over 2017’s attendance of 281,129. Overall Fair revenue was also up in 2018, highlighted by a 5.7 percent increase in gate revenues compared to 2017.

The Fair saw a notable increase in advance ticket sales, which were 23.3 percent higher than last year. A total of 14,184 fairgoers took advantage of the Fair’s new option to purchase concert tickets combined with Fair admission, contributing significantly to the advance sales increase. The purchase of single admissions online and Three Bears season passes was also up in 2018.

Following the historical trend, the highest-attended days were the first Saturday, with 38,416 fairgoers, and the second Saturday and Sunday, with 44,532 and 45,465 visitors, respectively. In fact, the second weekend was so well-attended that we used our overflow parking on those two days – even the RV lot was full!

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More good news

There were several other positive indicators of a strong year at the Fair, including:

  • Sold-out shows for the Demolition Derby and all three All-Star Monster Trucks shows at the RAM Truck Grandstand.
  • 23 new state records set in crops exhibit entries, including Dale Marshall’s 1,471.5-pound pumpkin. Marshall’s gargantuan gourd also took first-place in the 2018 Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off. See the full list of new state records and all the results from the pumpkin weigh-off.
  • Huge fun at this year’s Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off, with Brian Shunskis coming in first with his 94-pound entry. See full results here.
  • New recycling record. Volunteers collected a grand total of 45,703 pounds – or 22.9 tons – of recyclable materials at this year’s Fair, setting a new 10-year record.
  • $224,000 raised at the 4-H Junior Market Livestock Auction, up almost $10,000 from last year in a continuing upward trend.
  • Strong vendor showing, with a total of 448 full-time vendors, including 70 food vendors, as well as 61 daily vendors and 17 vendors in the Gathering Place.

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New things to note

A good Fair is always looking for ways to grow and improve, and there were several new things of note at the 2018 Fair:

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  • Online parking. This year for the first time, we offered the ability to purchase parking online. A total of 1,913 fairgoers took advantage of this new feature, which allowed them to buy a single day or season parking pass online before they headed out to the fairgrounds.

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  • Carnival wristbands. We offered carnival wristbands that, for the first time, included Fair admission and unlimited carnival rides for just $50 on Monday and Tuesday, August 27 and 28, when purchased in advance. A total of 925 fairgoers took advantage of the offer.

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  • $5 admission. To say “thank you” to first responders and members of the military, we were pleased to offer $5 admission on Military Appreciation Day, Sunday, September 2, and First Responders Day, Monday, September 3. A total of 7,149 members of the military and their families and 253 first responders took advantage of the new discount.

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  • Brew Tap. An estimated 400 fairgoers raised a glass to the future of Alaska’s farmlands at the first-ever Brew Tap. The event, held Friday, August 31, featured local brews and live music. $1 from every beer purchased – for a total of $591 – was donated to the Alaska Farmland Trust, which is dedicated to preserving Alaska’s farmlands for future generations.

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  • New restrooms. We opened the doors to the new restrooms on the Yellow Trail this year. The new facility was designed to meet the needs of increased fairgoer traffic in this area, which features popular venues including the RAM Truck Grandstand and the Gathering Place.

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  • Fair Queen.We were excited to bring back an old tradition with the crowning of a Fair Queen. At the August 23 coronation, we announced the members of the 2018 royal court, including Fair Queen Tala Ianu, Princesses Samantha Wannerand Bianca Temple, and Cultural Ambassador and People’s Chose Awardee Hannah Noble.

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  • New annual meeting date. A special membership meeting was held during the board reception on opening day of the Fair, where Fair members voted to change the annual membership meeting date from the second Thursday in February to the third Wednesday in May.

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Mark your calendar

The 2019 Fair will be held August 22 – September 2, and with the theme “Crazy Good,” it is sure to be a good time. Hope to see you there!

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Breakout Rapper Juice WRLD Added to 2018 Fair Concert Line-Up

We’re excited to announce that young breakout rapper Juice WRLD will perform in the Alaska State Fair 2018 AT&T Concert Series line-up at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre on Thursday, August 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, July 6 at 10 a.m.Juice WRLD

This young breakout star of the alternative rap world delivers a genre-blending sound of rock and rap, as heard on JuiceWRLD 9 9 9, which has collectively reached over 23.8 million plays on Soundcloud, and “All Girls are the Same,” which has received more than 10 million plays on Lyrical Lemonade in just over two months.

Get your tickets for Juice WRLD starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 6:

New this year, we are offering the option to purchase concert tickets that include Fair admission! The included admission is at a discounted price and good any day of the Fair. Concert-only tickets are still available for fairgoers who already have admission. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on our website. Convenience fees apply on all concert ticket purchases.

Juice WRLD joins the following acts in this year’s concert series:

Tickets for these shows are currently available for purchase on our website.

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Three More Acts Join 2018 Fair Concert Line-Up

We’re excited to announce three more acts in the Alaska State Fair 2018 AT&T Concert Series line-up at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre: Stone Sour on August 23, Three Dog Night on August 26, and Bishop Briggs with lovelytheband on August 31. Tickets for the three newly announced concerts go on sale to the general public Friday, May 18 at 10 a.m.

Thursday, August 23: Stone Sour. Described as a cross between Metallica and Alice in Chains, these Iowa-based rockers have made a name for themselves over their nearly 30-year career with a pair of Gold-selling albums, three Grammy nominations, and songs including the hit single “Through Glass” and “Bother,” which was featured on the Spider-Man soundtrack. Hydrograd, their most recent release – and sixth full-length album – came out last year.

Sunday, August 26: Three Dog Night. These legendary music icons are celebrating nearly five decades of making hit music like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala” and “One.” With 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, 7 million-selling singles and 12 straight RIAA-certified Gold LPs, this Grammy-nominated group boasts chart and sales records virtually unmatched in popular music.

Friday, August 31: Bishop Briggs with lovelytheband. With a voice full of grit and heft, Bishop Briggs has been compared to strong female vocalists like Janis Joplin, Florence Welch and Aretha Franklin. Her songs include the heartfelt singles, “River” and “Wild Horses,” as heard on her 2017 self-titled debut EP. Church of Scars, featuring Bishop’s latest single, “White Flag,” was released this spring. Opening for Bishop is the sleek-toned indie pop group, lovelytheband, which debuted in July 2017 with the hot single “Broken,” currently #1 on the Billboard alternative chart.

Get your tickets starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 18:

New this year, we are offering the option to purchase concert tickets that include Fair admission! The included admission is at a discounted price and good any day of the Fair. Concert-only tickets are still available for fairgoers who already have admission. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on our website. Convenience fees apply on all concert ticket purchases.

These acts join breakthrough country star Luke Combs, Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan, multi-platinum rock band Goo Goo Dolls, and hot new country trio Midland in the 2018 Fair line-up. Tickets for these shows are currently available for purchase.

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Goo Goo Dolls and Midland Added to Fair 2018 Line-Up

Tickets go on sale Friday, February 16 at 10 a.m.

The hits just keep on coming! We are so excited to announce the addition of multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls and hot new country trio Midland to our 2018 AT&T Concert Series line-up at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre. Tickets for both concerts go on sale to the general public Friday, February 16 at 10 a.m.

 

Goo Goo Dolls, presented by KYMG, will perform Friday, August 24 at 7 p.m. With more than 12 million albums sold since 1986, this multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated rock band is one of the most globally respected and influential forces in popular music. “Name,” “Slide” and “Iris” are among the band’s impressive 14 Top 10 hits – more than any other artist in the history of the Hot AC format. The band has 11 full-length studio albums to their name, and released a five-song EP, You Should Be Happy, in 2017.

Midland takes the stage Saturday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Described as 70s California country, Midland is known for their smooth, Eagles-style harmonies and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics, all sung with the twang of George Strait. After endearing themselves to fans with the hit radio single “Drinkin’ Problem” and a self-titled EP, the trio of friends known as Midland unveiled their full-length debut, On the Rocks, which also features the songs “Make a Little” and “Nothin’ New Under the Neon.”

New this year, we are pleased to offer the option to purchase concert tickets that include Fair admission! The included admission is at a discounted price and good any day of the Fair. Concert-only tickets are still available for fairgoers who already have admission. Remember that convenience fees apply on all concert ticket purchases.

Mark your calendar – starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 16, tickets will be available:

The Goo Goo Dolls and Midland join breakthrough country star Luke Combs and Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan in the 2018 Fair line-up. Combs appears at the Fair September 1, while Gaffigan will perform two shows on September 2. Tickets to see Combs and Gaffigan are currently available for purchase on our website.

Watch our website, Facebook and Twitter for additional information on the confirmed entertainers, as well as future 2018 concert announcements.

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Jim Gaffigan Announced as First Act in Fair’s 2018 Concert Series

Stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan is the first act confirmed for our 2018 Concert Series at the Alaska State Fair! The Grammy-nominated, New York Times best-selling comic will perform two shows on Sunday, September 2 at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre on the fairgrounds. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 8 at 10 a.m.

This is the second time that Gaffigan will perform at the Fair. Since his 2015 appearance, Gaffigan released his newest album, Cinco, and starred in his own TV show, “The Jim Gaffigan Show.” The dry, clever comic is currently wrapping up his 2017 Noble Ape Tour, which took him around the U.S. as well as Europe, and is preparing to launch his 2018 tour, The Fixer Upper.

Gaffigan will take the Fair stage at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. on September 2. Tickets will be $35 for the lawn area, $75 for reserved seating, and $95 for premier seating (first center three rows). Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.

Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, December 8 at 10 a.m. and will be available:

Watch our website, alaskastatefair.org, for additional information on Gaffigan, as well as future 2018 concert announcements.

 

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Katie Sevigny Returns as Fair Artist

Artwork brings Fair’s theme, “Better Together,” to life

2017 Fair posterKatie Sevigny returns this year for her fourth year as the featured artist for the Alaska State Fair. She continues to accept the invitation for several reasons, including her competitive drive to create pieces that she is proud of and that are successful for the Fair.

“I love the challenge of creating pieces that will resonate with fairgoers and make the Fair successful. I want the Fair to do well,” she shares.

There’s also the draw of being associated with one of Alaska’s largest and most beloved events.

“It’s such a historic event, and being part of that is huge,” says Katie, whose past work for the Fair included the commemorative 75th anniversary poster. “That was a very special thing to be part of.”

The long-time Alaska artist created three pieces for the 2017 Fair, including the Fair logo, which features two kids competing together in a three-legged race.

“The theme of this year’s Fair is ‘Better Together,’ so I thought, ‘What is something at the Fair that is better together?’ I think this is a really neat way to show the theme of the Fair,” Katie explains.

Katie also created the artwork that will be featured on the 2017 Fair poster. The piece depicts two young fairgoers riding their blue ribbon-winning cow across a field of flowers, with the Fair carnival in the background, Pioneer Peak on the skyline and the 2017 theme “Better Together” written in the sky.

“I thought about this piece like it was a story. The kids won first place, now they are riding their cow home, eating their Fair food against a beautiful backdrop. It’s like a page of a children’s book,” Katie says.

The other artwork Katie created for the 2017 Fair showed the silhouettes of four teenagers watching fireworks exploding in the sky above the carnival.

“That one was super fun,” Katie says. “It’s going to reach a new generation, and promote and attract a younger audience.”

Likely driven by the same competitive spirit that keeps drawing her back as the Fair artist, Katie’s career continues to flourish. In addition to her art gallery, Sevigny Studio in downtown Anchorage, Katie recently opened 7E Studio, a unique fashion boutique in South Anchorage showcasing Alaska artists, locally made furniture and women’s clothing, including her own brand, A Day in AK. On top of her art career, Katie is the mother of three boys.

“It’s a full life,” she says.

Pick up your 2017 Fair poster at one of the Fair souvenir booths! See the Fair map for details.

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Top 10 Can’t-Miss Things at the 2017 Fair

One of the top questions we get asked is, “What’s new at the Fair this year?!” With that in mind, we’ve compiled our top 10 list of can’t-miss events, features and attractions at the 2017 Alaska State Fair! Things change, so be sure to visit our website and check out the daily schedule for details and the most up-to-date information.

 

  1. World of Music. Every year, we bring an exciting, high-quality, entertaining and educational exhibit to the Don Sheldon Events Center – and this year is no different! This year we are excited to present the World of Music, an interactive exhibit featuring instruments from around the world, educational programming including live animal talks starring parrots, mammals and other animals making their own music of nature, plus listening pods and educational stations. The exhibit is open daily throughout the Fair, with multiple shows daily.

 

  1. New food booth. Crêpes De Paris is the latest addition to the Fair food line-up! Owners Ghenadie and Marina Trocin hail from Chisinau City in the Republic of Moldova but have called Girdwood home since 2014. They say their travels through Europe inspired them to bring a taste of Paris to Alaska through traditional handcrafted French crêpes. Sample their sweet or savory crêpes at their booth on the Green Trail across from the Main Office. Check out our 2017 Fair food guide for information on all of this year’s food vendors.

 

  1. Cheers and Beers, A Toast to Alaska’s Finest Craft Beer. Join us at the Aaron Watson concert pre-party, featuring local brews from breweries across the state. Purchase taste tickets at the door for $1 each. After you’ve chosen your favorite brew, you can fill a commemorative mug with your choice of beverage for $20. (Supplies are limited, so come early!) Fairgoers going to the Aaron Watson concert can show their ticket to receive five free samples! For fairgoers ages 21+ with valid ID. August 29, 4 – 7 p.m., Borealis Plaza Tent.

 

  1. Silent Disco. Slip on a set of sleek, glowing headphones and dance to your own beat at the Fair’s first-ever silent disco! Boogie down August 31, September 1 and September 2 at 8:30 p.m. at the Borealis Plaza Tent. Powered by Silent Events, the company that brought silent discos to Bonnaroo, Vans Warped Tour, and X Games.

 

  1. Loop Rawlins Wild West Act. Loop Rawlings’ unique Wild West act of trick roping, whip cracking and fancy gun spinning has thrilled thousands of audiences, from the stage of NBC’s America’s Got Talent to Cirque Du Soleil on the Las Vegas strip. He’ll be performing daily at the Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage. View the daily schedule for details.

 

  1. Meet Daniel Tiger and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Daniel Tiger, star of PBS’ Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Clifford of PBS’ Clifford the Big Red Dog are coming to the Fair! Young fans can say “hi” to Daniel Tiger at daily meet and greets August 24 – 29, and give Clifford a scratch behind the ears at meet and greets August 30 – September 4. Clifford will also join the Kids’ Dance Parties on August 31, September 1 and 2! See the daily schedule for time and location details.

 

  1. Social Media Takeovers. For the first time, we’re bringing together six Alaska social media influencers to take over the Alaska State Fair Instagram account! Takeovers are popular activities on social networks where well-known personalities “take over” an account for the day. Scheduled takeovers are:

Keep up with the takeovers by following our official Instagram account @officialalaskastatefair or follow the hashtag #AKFairFun on Instagram or Twitter!

 

  1. The Last Bandoleros. Described as “Los Lobos meet The Monkees,” this Tex-Mex/pop-rock outfit is an “Artist to Watch,” according to Rolling Stone, while Entertainment Weekly lists them as one of their “Breaking Big” artists. Catch them at the Sluicebox August 26 and 27.

 

  1. Fastest Fish Slayer and the Eskimo Ninja Warrior. There are a lot of exciting things going on at The Gathering Place this year, and one event you will not want to miss is an appearance by the Eskimo Ninja Warrior Nick Hanson and Marjorie Tahbone, who took silver in the fish-cutting competition at the 2017 World Eskimo-Indian Olympics! September 4, 2 p.m., Dena’ Stage at The Gathering Place. 

 

  1. Plan My Day. There are so many fun things to do at the Fair – how can you possibly fit it all in? Our brand new Plan My Day feature on our website will help you create your perfect day at the Fair, and make sure you don’t miss a thing. Simply browse events on the Fair website and click the “add to plan” button to create and share your custom Fair plan!

 

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Tickets Now On Sale for Full 2017 Fair Concert Series

Tickets are now on sale for the full 2017 AT&T Concert Series at the Alaska State Fair – including tickets Concertgoers at the Alaska State Fairto the final four concerts announced last week! Get your tickets now to see:

  • Home Free, Thursday, August 24, 7pm, presented by K-Bear 104.1 Alaska’s Hottest Country
  • Papa Roach, Friday, August 25, 7pm, presented by Alaska’s Rock 106.5 KWHL
  • Josh Turner, Saturday, August 26, 7pm, presented by K-Bear 104.1 Alaska’s Hottest Country. With special thanks to Coors Light.
  • Iggy Azalea, Sunday, August 27, 6pm
  • The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute, Monday, August 28, 7pm, presented by 1 Bob-FM, Playing WHATEVER we want, and KTMB 102.1, Good times and great oldies!
  • Aaron Watson, Tuesday, August 29, 7pm, presented by Country Legends 100.9
  • Judah & the Lion, Wednesday, August 30, 7pm, presented by 3 KGOT
  • Lecrae, Thursday, August 31, 7pm, presented by Alaska’s Hottest Hits 92.9 KFAT
  • Third Eye Blind, Friday, September 1, 7pm, presented by Mix 103-1. With special thanks to Blue Moon Brewing Co.
  • The Doobie Brothers, Saturday, September 2, 7pm, presented by 5 The Fox. With special thanks to Bud Light.
  • Terry Fator, Sunday, September 3, 6pm, presented by KTUU Channel 2
  • DNCE, Monday, September 4, 3pm, presented by 3 KGOT

All performances take place rain or shine at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre on the fairgrounds.

There are four easy ways to get your tickets to the 2017 AT&T Concert Series:

  • Online at alaskastatefair.org and print at home. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • On the Fair’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/alaskastatefair.
  • On a mobile phone. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • At the ConocoPhillips Borealis Box Office during the Fair. No convenience fees at the Fair box office. Fair admission additional.

Be sure to check out our website for all the ways to save on your Fair admission, including our brand new Me-Plus-Three 4-Pack. You’ll get four Fair admission tickets that are transferrable and good any day – plus you’ll save up to 30 percent! Our new 4-Pack is available June 9 – 23 with no convenience fees, so be sure to pick up a pack when you purchase your concert tickets! The 4-Pack will continue to be available for purchase through August 23; convenience fees apply.

Want to find out more about this year’s concert series? Visit our website for ticket prices, bios, photos and performance samples.

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Fair Announces Final Four Concerts in 2017 Line-Up

Tickets on sale Friday, June 9

It’s been so hard to keep the news quiet, but – after months of hard work – we are thrilled to announce the final four concerts in the 2017 AT&T Concert Series at the Alaska State Fair!

Final four concertsJoining our already strong line-up is (drumroll, please):

Tickets for these hot concerts go on sale next Friday, June 9 at 6am!

With these additions, we can now share the complete 2017 concert series line-up, featuring:

  • Home Free, Thursday, August 24, 7pm, presented by K-Bear 104.1 Alaska’s Hottest Country
  • Papa Roach, Friday, August 25, 7pm, presented by Alaska’s Rock 106.5 KWHL
  • Josh Turner, Saturday, August 26, 7pm, presented by K-Bear 104.1 Alaska’s Hottest Country. With special thanks to Coors Light.
  • Iggy Azalea, Sunday, August 27, 6pm
  • The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute, Monday, August 28, 7pm, presented by 92.1 Bob-FM, Playing WHATEVER we want, and KTMB 102.1, Good times and great oldies!
  • Aaron Watson, Tuesday, August 29, 7pm, presented by Country Legends 100.9
  • Judah & the Lion, Wednesday, August 30, 7pm, presented by 101.3 KGOT
  • Lecrae, Thursday, August 31, 7pm, presented by Alaska’s Hottest Hits 92.9 KFAT
  • Third Eye Blind, Friday, September 1, 7pm, presented by Mix 103-1. With special thanks to Blue Moon Brewing Co.
  • The Doobie Brothers, Saturday, September 2, 7pm, presented by 100.5 The Fox. With special thanks to Bud Light.
  • Terry Fator, Sunday, September 3, 6pm, presented by KTUU Channel 2
  • DNCE, Monday, September 4, 3pm, presented by 101.3 KGOT

All performances take place rain or shine at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre on the fairgrounds.

You can get tickets to see Iggy, the Fab Four, Aaron Watson and DNCE starting next Friday, June 9 at 6am. Tickets will be available:

  • Online at alaskastatefair.org and print at home. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • On the Fair’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/alaskastatefair.
  • On a mobile phone. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • At the ConocoPhillips Borealis Box Office during the Fair. No convenience fees at the Fair box office. Fair admission additional.

Want to find out more about this year’s concert series? Visit our website for ticket prices, bios, photos and performance samples.

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Outstanding Applicants = Increased Scholarships!

Fair announces 2017 scholarship recipients

We received so many amazing scholarship applications that we had to increase the awards this year! We originally planned to award seven scholarships totaling $7,000 (which was up significantly from the $4,250 we awarded last year!). But after reviewing the applications, our scholarship committee unanimously approved an increase to nine scholarships totaling $8,000.

Please join us in congratulating our 2017 scholarship recipients:

  • First place – $2,500: Annie Kessler of Colony High School
  • Second place – $1,500: Summer Putman of Juneau-Douglas High School
  • Third place – $1,000: Lily Anna Sessom of Colony High school
  • Honorable mention – $500: John F. Jones of IDEA
  • Honorable mention – $500: Ruby Woodings of Palmer High School
  • Honorable mention – $500: Alexis Barfield of Palmer High School (picture not available)
  • Honorable mention – $500: Fisher Dill of Frank A. Degnan High School
  • Honorable mention – $500: Maciah L. Johnson of IDEA
  • Honorable mention – $500: McKenna Dinkel of Mat-Su Central Homeschool (picture not available)

We received a total of 40 applications this year from students all over the state. While we couldn’t give everyone a scholarship, all applicants did receive two free admissions to the 2017 Fair.

Fair scholarships are open to all Alaska junior and senior high school students who plan to attend college or vocational school. Applicants submit a cover letter, extracurricular resume, letter of recommendation, photo and an essay or creative project.

Watch for the 2018 call for scholarship applications early next year! Questions? Contact Kelly Larson, Fair director of community and corporate relations, at 907.746.7164 or [email protected].

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Fair’s 2017 Concert Series Has It All!

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 24

Country superstar? Check.

Chart-topping modern rockers? Check.

Grammy Award winners?

Multi-platinum artists?

American rock legends?

Check, check and check.

We’ve got it all in our 2017 AT&T Concert Series at the Alaska State Fair! And we are thrilled to announce the first eight acts confirmed for this year’s line-up:

  • Home Free, Thursday, August 24, 7pm, presented by K-Bear 104.1 Alaska’s Hottest Country
  • Papa Roach, Friday, August 25, 7pm, presented by Alaska’s Rock 106.5 KWHL
  • Josh Turner, Saturday, August 26, 7pm
  • Judah & the Lion, Wednesday, August 30, 7pm, presented by 101.3 KGOT
  • Lecrae, Thursday, August 31, 7pm, presented by Alaska’s Hottest Hits 92.9 KFAT
  • Third Eye Blind, Friday, September 1, 7pm
  • The Doobie Brothers, Saturday, September 2, 7pm
  • Terry Fator, Sunday, September 3, 6pm, presented by KTUU Channel 2

All performances take place rain or shine at the Borealis Theatre on the fairgrounds.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 24 at 6am and there are four easy ways to buy:

  • Online at alaskastatefair.org and print at home. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • On the Fair’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/alaskastatefair.
  • On a mobile phone. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • The Borealis Box Office during the Fair. No convenience fees at the Fair box office. Fair admission additional.

Want to find out more about this year’s line-up? Visit our website for ticket prices, bios, photos and performance samples.

The final four concerts in our 2017 series are being confirmed, and we will announce them soon on our Facebook page and website. Stay tuned!

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2016 Fair Highlights

The Alaska State Fair celebrated our 80th birthday at the 2016 event, which took place August 25 – September 5 at the fairgrounds in Palmer. Here are some of our favorite highlights from 2016:

Attendance. An estimated 293,424 people came to help the Fair celebrate in 2016. This was down from 299,698 last year, but on par with the 293,827 fairgoers in 2014. Following the historical trend, Saturday was the most popular day to visit, with attendance of 19,064 on the first Saturday and 22,337 the second.

Concert

AT&T Concert Series. A total of 26,294 music-lovers attended the AT&T Concert Series this year, compared to 31,986 attendees last year. Of those, 5,150 fairgoers attended the rapper G-Eazy concert, making it the most popular performance, followed by The Band Perry and Volbeat.

 

Commemorative Fair Quilt Raffle Winner Lorraine StottsCommemorative quilt raffle. In celebration of our 80th birthday, we raffled off a commemorative Fair quilt, with all proceeds benefiting the Fair scholarship fund. The raffle brought in $3,990 for Fair scholarships. Those funds, combined with the proceeds from the Concert Kick-Off Party and Cabbage Classic lottery, will allow us to triple our 2017 scholarship award amount! Read more

 

4-H Showmanship Feature BoxRecord-breaking 4-H Junior Market Livestock Auction. This year’s livestock auction brought in $214,312.50, setting a new record for the 41-year-old event. The new record was set even with 16 fewer bidders and 17 fewer youth participants. Read more

 

 

Pumpkin Weigh-off Feature BoxSetting new state records. After pursuing the state record for five years, Dale Marshall finally broke it with his 1,469-pound entry in the Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off this year, beating the previous state pumpkin record by 180 pounds. Five other new state records were set at the 2016 Fair. Read more

 

Exhibits FeatureboxExhibit entries across Alaska and beyond. A total of 8,719 entries came in from across the state, as well as 33 from outside Alaska. Flowers and crops continued to be the two most popular categories, with 2,066 and 1,501 entries respectively. See exhibits results

 

Giant Cabbage lit up by the sun (2)Giant fun at Cabbage Weigh-Off. Steve Hubacek once again took first place in the Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off, claiming the title with his 83.4-pound entry. Hubacek bested Brian Shunskis’ second-place, 66.05-pounder and Keevan Dinkel’s 63.15-pound cabbage, which took third place. Read more

 

Monster Trucks Feature BoxMonster-sized fun. After a 16-year hiatus, monster trucks returned to the Fair, drawing sell-out crowds to the Grandstand. The All Star Monster Truck Tour made its debut at the 2016 Fair, with 5,327 fairgoers attending.

 

 

Recycling. Dedicated volunteers collected 34,829 pounds, or 17.3 tons, of recyclable material, including plastics, cardboard, mixed/office and newspaper, aluminum, steel cans and glass. This was almost identical to the 34,953 pounds collected last year.

 

Two young girls at FairEducating our youth. In a continued demonstration of the Fair’s commitment to combining entertainment and education, a total of 2,335 students in grades kindergarten to fifth grade participated in Fair educational programs this year. More than 700 students were on the waiting list for this popular program.

 

Don’t miss out on the fun next year! Mark your calendar for the 2017 Fair, which will take place August 24 – September 4. And be sure to stay in touch with us throughout the year on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube!

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Brews & Boos at 2016 Brewfest!

Brews and Boos at October 29 Boo Fest!

Love beer? Love Halloween? Enjoy both at this year’s Mighty Monster Boo Fest (aka the Mighty Matanuska Brewfest) on Saturday, October 29, from 6 – 10 p.m. at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds!BooFest logo

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. We’re excited to feature several new local breweries, including Arkose Brewery, Bleeding Heart Brewery, Bearpaw River Brewing Co., Resolution Brewing Co., Denali Brewing Co., Quake! Brewing Co., Alaskan Brewing Co., The Last Frontier Brewing Co., Kassik’s Brewery, Kenai River Brewing Co., Baranof Brewing Co., King Street Brewing Co. and Glacier Brewhouse. Be sure to stop by and sample their new brews!

In celebration of Halloween weekend, we’ll also have a costume contest with great prizes, and live entertainment by Agents of Karma, who take the stage at 7 p.m. There will be food available for purchase, including tamales, roasted nuts, and BBQ. Plus, we’ll have a silent auction and raffle with prizes!

Tickets are now available on the Fair website, as well as at Vagabond Blues, Three Bears, and Purple Moose Espresso. Each $35 ticket includes your choice of 20 3-ounce beer samples. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10, including a non-alcoholic beverage. Convenience fees apply.

Don’t leave home without your ID! All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21+ and show a valid ID. And don’t forget to plan your safe ride home. Line up a designated driver or plan to call a taxi.

Pick up your ticket, start planning your costume and we’ll see you at the Mighty Monster Boo Fest on October 29!

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Road Construction Update

Glenn-Parks Project Not Expected to Delay Fair Traffic

How will the road construction at the Glenn-Parks Interchange affect traffic to the Alaska State Fair? It’s a question that’s been coming up more frequently as the Fair draws near.

“We know that fairgoers will appreciate the improvements to the roadway. However, we also know fairgoers are concerned about possible traffic delays on their way to the Fair,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair general manager. “We reached out to the Department of Transportation about the project so we could let fairgoers know what to expect.”

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) reports that all lanes will be open and there will be no construction activity on the paving and bridge rehabilitation project during the Fair, which takes place August 25 – September 5.

“Fair traffic will be free to use all lanes of the interchange prior to the Fair, and there will be no construction activity to distract the drivers,” said Patrick Harvey, project engineer with the Alaska DOT&PF. He added they are currently working on details, such as completing the permanent inlaid lines, which is expected to be complete in the next couple of days.

“After that, the northbound traffic can be moved back over on the northbound highway and we will do our best to finish the permanent inlaid lines on the southbound highway a few days after that,” Harvey said.

According to the Alaska Navigator website, “The remainder of the project will not affect getting to or from the Alaska State Fair. Any remaining work on the Glenn Highway at the interchange will be done after the Fair.”

“Hundreds of thousands of people head to the fairgrounds each year, so traffic flow and safety is an issue that’s important to both us and our fairgoers,” Hertel said. “We appreciate the Department of Transportation recognizing the significance of the Fair and the steps they are planning to take to ensure smooth travel for our fairgoers.”

The project, which began in spring 2016, will improve the Parks Highway from the Glenn-Parks Interchange at mile 35 to just past the Seward Meridian Parkway at mile 40, as well as the Glenn-Parks Interchange and ramps. Upon completion, the highway, all ramps and the interchange will be repaved, new waterproofing membranes will be installed on 11 bridges, expansion joints will be replaced on four bridges, and bridge approaches will be repaired on all 13 bridges.

Drivers can find more information on the project and traffic impacts by visiting alaskanavigator.org or calling the hotline at 907.232.5473.

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New Stage Dedication

Dena’ – People’s Stage dedication to be held August 27

Dena' - People's StageAfter years of fundraising, planning and construction, the much-awaited Dena’ – People’s Stage is now completed at the Alaska State Fair! A dedication of the 1,000-square-foot permanent stage, located at The Gathering Place on the fairgrounds, will take place Saturday, August 27 at 1 p.m. All are invited to attend.

The dedication will include an introduction of the Fair board members, along with members of The Gathering Place advisory board, and remarks from Jerome Hertel, Fair general manager, Tabetha Toloff, chair of the advisory board, and Carol Kenley, Fair board president. The major funders, including Rasmuson Foundation, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and Spenard Building Supply, will also be recognized for their role in making the stage a reality.

Fundraising and planning for the project initially began in 2012. Construction of the structure commenced in fall 2015 and was completed this month. The project utilized the talents of RIM Architects, Great Northern Engineering and Erickson Construction.

The 1,000-square-foot permanent stage features several amenities not previously available at The Gathering Place, including a dressing room and stage lighting. The venue will offer a dedicated performance area for Alaska Native entertainment at the Fair.

At the 2016 Fair, the stage will host a wide variety of music, drumming and dancing, as well as World Eskimo-Indian Olympics traditional games, Alaska Native humor and storytelling, and the Inupiaq blanket toss, among others. See a schedule of events for the venue on our website.

The stage is the latest feature at The Gathering Place, which opened in 2014 as a designated place for sharing Alaska Native history, culture, arts and entertainment, while offering performance and business opportunities to Alaska Native performers and artists from across the state.

Last year, all regions of Alaska were represented at The Gathering Place, which featured 38 Alaska Native dance group performances, 23 Alaska Native artisans, 13 storytelling concerts, 10 Alaska Native games demonstrations, and nine music concerts.

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Sapling & Smolt Soirée

Craft Beer Tasting and Family Fun at KONGOS Pre-Concert Party

Sapling and Smolt SoireeIf you love the outdoors, craft beer, family fun and good music, then you have got to put this event on your calendar! Alaska State Fair and Great Land Trust are hosting the Sapling and Smolt Soirée on Sunday, August 28 at the fairgrounds. This pre-concert party for KONGOS and July Talk takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Borealis Plaza Tent.

Come sample some amazing local brews at the craft beer tasting, featuring:

You’ll also find free family-friendly activities – take a picture in the Alaska photo booth and spin the wheel to answer a trivia question about Alaska’s wild lands and waterways and win a prize!

This event is free with Fair admission and the beer tasting is $5, which includes six 3-ounce samples. Proceeds will benefit Great Land Trust, a nonprofit organization founded by Alaskans in 1995 to conserve lands and waters essential to our quality of life and the economic health of our communities.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Alaska State Fair and the opportunity to support the work of talented artists like July Talk and KONGOS,” said Kim Sollien, Mat-Su program director. “We encourage everyone to come by, learn about how you are connected to Alaska’s lands and waterways, enjoy some craft beer, and get ready to listen to some great music!”

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2016 Farm Family of the Year

Congratulations to the Plagerman family of Delta Junction, who has been selected by the Alaska agriculture community as the 2016 Alaska State Fair Farm Family of the Year. The Plagermans will be honored at opening day of the Fair on Thursday, August 25.

Scott and Connie Plagerman established Scott Plagerman Farms LLC in 2008. They grow hay and sell it to horse owners, beef, yak and sheep farmers, and the Musk Ox Farm. They also sell bison for consumption to Delta Meat and Sausage Co.

Scott and Connie were raised in families who have farmed for many generations. Scott grew up on a Washington dairy farm and received a degree in dairy farming from the University of Utah. Connie grew up on an Iowa grain farm and has experience in pig farrowing and poultry laying operations.

At their farm in Delta Junction, Scott handles all of the equipment, sales and marketing, and Connie manages the finances, is a farm hand, and homeschools their three children, who also work on the farm along with one part-time employee.

The Plagermans say they enjoy the unique challenges and freedom Alaska farmers face. Future plans are to increase their bison herd and improve on their crop production.

When not working their farm, the Plagermans are involved with the Healing Hoofbeats 4-H club (a therapeutic riding program for special needs children and adults) and are members of the Delta Farm Bureau. Scott also serves as a board member of the Alaska Farmers Co-op.

During the holiday season the family opens their home to church and community friends so that all ages may enjoy horseback riding, hay and sleigh rides, and socializing with one another. “It’s a great way to raise a family and be outdoors working with nature,” Connie said.

The Farm Family of the Year award, sponsored by the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, was established by the Alaska State Fair in 2000 to honor an Alaska farming family and show appreciation for all the hardworking Alaskans committed to agriculture.

After reviewing nominations, an awards committee chaired by the Alaska Division of Agriculture selects the winning family based on production of quality Alaska Grown products, community and agricultural organization involvement, and overall image.

“Congratulations to all of the nominees and the Plagerman family. They are to be admired for the dedication and commitment to farming in Alaska and are setting a good example for the next generation of Alaskan agricultural producers,” said Jerome Hertel, the Fair’s general manager.

Recent Farm Family of the Year winners include the Pettit Family of Little Pitchfork Ranch (2015), Williams Family of EagleSong Family Peony Farm (2014), and Vern Stockwell and Becky Gardner of Stockwell Farm (2013).

 

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Save Big at the Carnival

Love the carnival at the Alaska State Fair? Then you are going to love this deal! Golden Wheel Amusements is offering “The Big Deal,” a package of ride tickets, game coupons and food, for $50 – that’s a savings of $10! If you want to get in on the deal, be sure you order online by Wednesday, August 24.Carnival

The Big Deal, a $60 value for just $50, includes:

  • 45 ride tickets (each ride takes two to eight tickets)
  • 10 game coupons (each game takes two to five coupons; games also accept cash)
  • Free corn dog coupon (redeemable at carnival food booths only)

You must order the Big Deal online by Wednesday, August 24. You’ll then receive a voucher to redeem at a carnival ticket booth on the fairgrounds during the Fair.

If the Big Deal is too big for you, Golden Wheel also offers several other smaller packages, as well as single ride tickets, which are available for purchase at the carnival ticket booths at the Fair:

  • Super Saver ($40) includes 35 ride tickets, 10 game coupons and a free drink coupon with purchase (good at carnival food booths only).
  • Carnival Combo ($20) includes 18 ride tickets, three game coupons, and a free drink coupon with purchase (good at carnival food booths only).
  • Single Ride Tickets are $1 (remember, rides take two to eight tickets).

Here are some other helpful carnival ticket tips:

  • Each ride takes more than one ticket. Kiddie rides are between two to four tickets for each rider, and bigger rides take four to eight tickets for each rider.
  • Tickets are available for purchase at the event with cash, debit and credit card.
  • Game coupons act as cash in the games. Each game takes two to five coupons.
  • Games also take cash.
  • Carnival food booths accept cash, debit and credit card.
  • There are ATMs on location.
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All Fair Concert Tickets Now on Sale!

Tickets are now on sale for all 12 shows in the Alaska State Fair’s 2016 AT&T Concert Series, including the most recently announced acts – KONGOS with special guest July Talk and Cheech & Chong featuring special guest Shelby Chong! Tickets for these two shows went on sale to the general public today, Friday, June 3, at 6 a.m.

The rock band of brothers KONGOS, Canadian rockers July Talk and iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong complete the 2016 concert line-up, which features:

  • Home Free, Thursday, August 25, 7 p.m., presented by KBRJ
  • X Ambassadors, Friday, August 26, 7 p.m., presented by Pabst Blue Ribbon, KMBQ and KBBO
  • The Band Perry, Saturday, August 27, 7 p.m., presented by Heineken and KBRJ
  • KONGOS with special guest July Talk, Sunday, August 28, 6 p.m.
  • Cheech & Chong featuring special guest Shelby Chong, Monday, August 29, 7 p.m.
  • Old Dominion, Tuesday, August 30, 7 p.m., presented by Bud Light and KBRJ
  • Thousand Foot Krutch, Wednesday, August 31, 7 p.m., presented by KAFC
  • G-Eazy, Thursday, September 1, 7 p.m., presented by KFAT
  • Volbeat, Friday, September 2, 7 p.m., presented by KWHL
  • Randy Houser, Saturday, September 3, 7 p.m., presented by Coors Light and KASH
  • Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Sunday, September 4, 6 p.m., presented by Anchorage Press and KOOL
  • Andy Grammer, Monday, September 5, 3 p.m., presented by KGOT and KYMG

You can get your tickets:

  • Online at alaskastatefair.org and print at home. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • On the Fair’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/alaskastatefair.
  • On a mobile phone. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • The Kendall Toyota Borealis Box Office during the Fair. No convenience fees at the Fair box office. Fair admission additional.

Find more info on this year’s line-up on our website, featuring ticket prices, bios, photos and performance samples. We’ll see you at the show!

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Final Two Acts Announced!

KONGOS, July Talk and Cheech & Chong Join Fair Concert Series!

If good rock music gets your heart pumping, or if you’re in the mood for some irreverent and hilarious comedy, then you’re going to be excited about the final acts announced for the 2016 AT&T Concert Series at the Alaska State Fair!

On Sunday, August 28, KONGOS with special guest July Talk performs at the Fair, while the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong featuring special guest Shelby Chong take the stage Monday, August 29.

Kicking off the August 28 show at 6 p.m. is July Talk, the Canadian rockers known for their electrifying concerts and dynamic new single, “Push + Pull.” KONGOS, the four-brother rock band behind “Come With Me Now” and “I’m Only Joking,” starts their set at 7 p.m.

On August 29, the Fair welcomes Grammy Award-winning comedians Cheech & Chong on their first tour in more than 25 years! Performing with them is special guest, Shelby Chong, a talented, up-and-coming female comedian making a name for herself with her raunchy, outrageous, yet innocent, feminine-centric stand-up show.

Mark your calendar – tickets for these two shows go on sale to the general public Friday, June 3 at 6 a.m.

The groups round out our 2016 concert line-up, including the previously announced acts:

Tickets for the 10 previously announced shows are currently on sale, while tickets to KONGOS with special guest July Talk and Cheech & Chong featuring special guest Shelby Chong go on sale to the general public on June 3 at 6 a.m. Get your tickets:

  • Online at alaskastatefair.org and print at home. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • On the Fair’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/alaskastatefair.
  • On a mobile phone. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.
  • The Borealis Box Office during the Fair. No convenience fees at the Fair box office. Fair admission additional.

Want to find out more about this year’s line-up? Visit our website for ticket prices, bios, photos and performance samples.

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Alaska Students Receive $4,250 in Fair Scholarships

Five Alaska high school students will head off to college this fall with some extra funds in their bank accounts, thanks to the Alaska State Fair scholarship fund! The students, who are from across Alaska, received scholarship awards totaling $4,250 this spring. Every student who completed an application also received two free admissions to the 2016 Fair.

Congratulations to the 2016-2017 Alaska State Fair scholarship recipients, including:

First place, $1,500: Victoria Cizek of Soldotna, Alaska. Victoria, a senior at Cook Inlet Academy, will attend Northwest Christian University in Eugene, Oregon this fall to study music technology/industry.

Second place, $1,000: Michelle Eliassen of Eagle River, Alaska. Michelle, a senior at Chugiak High School, will attend the University of Alaska Anchorage this fall. A graduate of her school’s Spanish immersion program, Michelle plans to minor in Spanish.

Third place, $750: Nathaniel Savel of Palmer, Alaska. Nathaniel, a senior at Palmer High School, has been accepted to both the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He plans to pursue an associate’s degree in paramedic/fire science, as well as a bachelor’s degree in science.

Fourth place, $500: Catherine Currier of Wasilla, Alaska. Catherine, a senior at Wasilla High School, has been accepted into the medical laboratory science program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Fifth place, $500: Kimberly Pikok of Barrow, Alaska. Kimberly, a senior at Barrow High School, will attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks this fall, with a goal to receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration or environmental policy and return to live and work in rural Alaska.

The Fair scholarship application process is unique in that it asks students to submit an essay or creative project addressing one of four topics, including:

  • How the Fair can be of greater benefit to the state
  • Ideas for a new “free with Fair admission” event
  • How the Fair can improve its educational programming
  • How the student would use a 12-foot by 12-foot booth at the Fair

“Every year, we are impressed with the creative ideas generated by our scholarship applicants. We are always working to improve the Fair and the fairgoer experience, and appreciate the fresh perspectives shared by these students,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair general manager.

For example, Catherine created a video explaining her idea to develop an educational scavenger hunt throughout the fairgrounds to better involve and educate young Alaskans. “With doing this, we will educate the next generation, and therefore educate all generations after them,” she said.

Victoria would draw from her passion for music and her future music degree to open a “Make Your Own Music Video” booth at the Fair. “There is almost nothing more fun than goofing off with your friends and loved ones, especially at the Alaska State Fair. This could be an enjoyable way for people to have an awesome video to remember the experience by,” she said.

Michelle would open a food booth called “Like Your Granny Makes It,” which would serve homemade pie milkshakes, along with other old-fashioned food items at an affordable price. “I know, coming from a family of five, that the Fair can be expensive, so making it affordable for families is a huge deal to me,” Michelle said.

One of Nathaniel’s ideas for improving the fairgoer experience was developing themes for each of the Fair trails. For example, the “Dairy Trail” would feature vendors and activities that support the theme. “When you leave Dairy Trail, you should feel like you have just spent the last 20 years as a farmer yourself,” he said.

Kimberly shared her idea for displaying the culture, diversity and rich history of Alaska at the Fair by hosting a stage dedicated to cultural performances. “There is no better way to educate fairgoers, citizens and visitors about cultures than put on a live performance,” she said.

The Fair scholarship program is open to all Alaska junior and senior high school students who plan to attend college or vocational school. A total of 43 students submitted applications for a Fair scholarship this spring.

Even more students will benefit from the Fair scholarship program in 2017. An additional $2,500 was raised for scholarships at the Fair’s Concert Kick-Off Party in April. The event unveiled the entertainment line-up for the Fair’s 2016 concert series, while raising money for the Fair scholarship fund.

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Fair Goes Smoke-Free in 2016

The annual Alaska State Fair is going smoke-free in 2016! The Fair’s new smoke-free policy was adopted earlier this year, and will take effect at the 2016 event, to be held August 25 – September 5.No Smoking Feature Box (2)

“It’s not about the right to smoke but about the right to not have to breathe second-hand smoke. Smoking is an active choice. Breathing second-hand smoke is not,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair general manager.

Hertel added that the policy will decrease smoking-related litter and accidents; decrease the negative effects related to second-hand smoke, which is an established cause of cancer and respiratory disease; and discourage smoking around non-tobacco users, especially children.

The Fair’s decision follows a state and nationwide trend of “smoke-free” businesses and organizations. The Fair took a first step toward becoming smoke-free during the 2015 event, when it implemented a one-day, fairground-wide no smoking policy in conjunction with Wellness Day.

Numerous community partners, including Breathe Free Mat-Su, American Lung Association in Alaska, Alaska Family Services, Set Free Alaska and the American Heart Association, support the Fair’s decision to become smoke-free.

“We applauded the Alaska State Fair for having a smoke-free day in 2015, and we are even more excited that this year the clean air will last throughout the event,” said Mat-Su Health Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Ripley. “Smoke-free environments do more than protect the health of everyone who experiences them – they also change social norms about smoking, which leads to improved health for all.”

Under the new policy, during the annual Fair event, smoking is not permitted anywhere within fenced common areas of the fairgrounds property. Smoking is also not permitted within 40 feet of the main gated entrances to the Fair.

“With this policy, we are asking fairgoers who choose to smoke to do it far enough away from those who choose not to smoke. The smoke-free policy clarifies what that distance should be,” Hertel said.

The smoke-free policy applies to tobacco products and/or vapors from electronic smoking devices. Specifically, it prohibits carrying, holding, inhaling or exhaling the smoke of a lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, plant material, or of any other lighted or heated smoking equipment, including e-cigarettes that create a vapor or any other oral smoking device.

Compliance with the smoke-free Fair policy is mandatory for all employees, exhibitors, vendors, volunteers, performers and patrons visiting the Fair.

Look for smoke-free signage at Fair gate entrances and other prominent places on the fairgrounds. BEE SMOKE FREE/thanks for not smoking buttons will also be available at Fair gates for fairgoers wishing to express support for a smoke-free Fair.

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Emergency Drill at Fairgrounds

Responders Test Skills in Emergency Drill at Fairgrounds

If you had visited the Alaska State Fairgrounds earlier this month, you likely would have been shocked to see a school bus collided with a train. Figures strewn alongside the railroad tracks. Firefighters carrying victims with head lacerations and other wounds. Blackhawk rotors whirring as it carried patients to the hospital.

Luckily, all of these gruesome scenes were staged, as part of the Alaska Shield 2016 emergency drill. The exercise, organized by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, took place on April 1 and 2 at locations throughout the Mat-Su, including the fairgrounds.

Held every two years, the Alaska Shield exercise allows responders to test their nerves and skill in a no-fault zone. More than 3,000 people participated in the 2016 drill, which included school evacuations, cyber attacks, terrorist threats, dismantling of a fake bomb, a hazardous leak, and the school bus/train collision.

The Fair joined Alaska Railroad, US Army 716th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment, Alaska Army National Guard 103rd Civil Support Team, Mat-Su Borough Hazmat Team, local firefighters, Boy Scouts from Troop 130, LifeMed, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Colony and Palmer High Schools, Palmer Police, Red Cross and even VIPs from the Mongolian Army as participants in the emergency drill.

“The Fair was pleased to be part of this important event, which helps ensure our community is ready to respond to disasters,” says Jerome Hertel, Fair general manager. “It’s another example of how the Fair works to be a gathering place for Alaskans throughout the year.”

See the full story and more photos on the Mat-Su Borough Facebook page.