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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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After-Party with Tayy

Featuring Alaska hip-hop artist Tayy Tarantino

Keep the party going after the G-Eazy concert at an after-party featuring Tayy Tarantino, a hip-hop recording artist and songwriter from Anchorage, Alaska! The party happens Thursday, September 1 at 8:30 p.m. (or after the G-Eazy concert ends) in Alaska Glacier Products Events Tent. $5 cover charge*

Tayy, who began rapping at the age of 10, started his music career in the youth choir at his local church. Today, he’s opened for national acts such as August Alsina, Ludacris, Nelly, The REJ3CTZ’s, and local rock festival Summer Meltdown. Last year, Tayy was invited to perform at numerous music showcases at SXSW.

Currently, Tayy is working with Rawbeatzz to produce his full-length LP, Homecoming, under the Bad Agenda label to be released this year.

Want more Tayy right now? Check him out on DramaLiketheDJ.com (where he’s currently the only Alaska artist featured!), KGOT.com and on KTVA Daybreak’s Mic Check in the Morning!

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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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A Closer Look at the 2016 Fair Poster

Fourth-generation Alaskan and artist Ruth Hulbert designed the 2016 Fair commemorative poster artwork, unofficially titled “The Work of Many Hands.” The poster’s quilt pattern includes eight squares, representing significant moments in each decade of the Fair, plus one square representing the Fair as an ongoing work in progress. Hulbert carefully researched the Fair’s history as part of this project, and her notes on each square are shared below.

Hulbert’s artwork is also featured on a quilt commemorating the Fair’s 80th birthday. The queen-size quilt, quilted by local quilter Kathy Rockey, is being raffled off to raise money for the Fair’s scholarship fund. The quilt will be on display at the daily quilt show in Irwin Exhibits during the Fair. Raffle tickets – $10 for one or three for $25 – will be available at the Main Office or at the Plaza and Irwin souvenir booths during the Fair.

Click/tap on each square for information on the decade it represents

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About the Artist

Ruth Hulbert was born and raised in Palmer. She graduated from Palmer High School in 2004, and studied art and dipnetting with WB (Brad) Hughes of Homer (who painted several popular posters for the Alaska State Fair). She graduated from Western Washington University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and painting, and got a certificate in natural science illustration from the University of Washington in 2013. She’s worked at Fireside Books, worked as signmaker for the Fair from 2005 to 2011, and painted the Fair poster in 2007, 2009 and 2015. Presently she lives in Bellingham, Washington, where she works in an art gallery as a picture framer.

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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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Alaska Dogs Gone Wild

 13th Annual Summer Solstice Tourneys

June 20 – June 24 starting at 8 a.m.

Alaska Dogs Gone Wild, Alaska’s first flyball club, was created in 2004 and is based in Anchorage, Alaska. Our main goals are to have fun with our dogs, enjoy socializing with our teammates, and promote competitive flyball in Alaska.

Four days of racing
• Stunning backdrop of mountains
• A “midnight sun”
• Hospitality as big as the great state of Alaska

Participant Flyer

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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.

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Fair 2016 Exhibitor Guide Now Available

It’s spring in Alaska, which means it’s time to start planning for your exhibit entry at the 2016 Alaska State Fair! We’ve got all the details in you need in our 2016 exhibitor guide, now available on our website.2016 Alaska State Fair exhibitor guide

No matter what your skill or interest, there are lots of fun exhibit categories to choose from:

There are the two easy ways to submit your exhibit entry:

One important change to note: There will not be an Anchorage entry site this year.

We love to receive entries from folks around the state, so if you can’t make it to the fairgrounds with your exhibit, please consider our mail-in option. Just be sure it arrives to us by the Friday, August 12 deadline!

Last year, we received 9,054 entries – the highest number of entries in the past 10 years! Flowers and crops were the two most popular categories, with 2,009 and 1,434 entries respectively.

Help us celebrate the 80th year of the Alaska State Fair by entering an exhibit. Download your 2016 exhibitor guide now on the Fair website!

Need a hard copy of the department information you are interested in? Give us a call at 907.746.7159 and we’ll pop one in the mail to you.

Want more information? Contact Pamella Meekin, our vendor and exhibits manager, at 907.746.7159 or [email protected]!

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Fair Annual Meeting: Prizes, Food Samples and Election Results

The 2016 Alaska State Fair, Inc. annual membership meeting took place Thursday, February 11 at Raven Hall on the fairgrounds, with approximately 100 Fair members and interested supporters in attendance.

Incumbent Stephen Brown was re-elected to the Fair board of directors.
Stephen Brown was re-elected to the Fair board of directors.
John Tracy was also re-elected at the annual meeting.
John Tracy was also re-elected at the annual meeting.

The main item of business was the election of two members to the Fair’s seven-member board of directors. From a ballot of four candidates, including two incumbents, Fair members voted to reelect Stephen Brown of Palmer and John Tracy of Anchorage. Brown and Tracy will each serve a three-year term on the board.

Annual meeting guests had the opportunity to sample cuisine from seven Fair food vendor applicants, who were on hand showcasing their sample menus. Featured at the annual meeting were Bear Naked BBQ, Los Tacos, LOUKS Crepes, Moose Bites Personal Chefs, NonEssentials, Paco’s Paella, and The Ramp – Kasilof River Lodge.

Four lucky Fair members also went home with door prizes, including two tickets to the first annual Concert Kick-Off Party, which will take place April 2 Glenn Massay Theater; two tickets to any show in the 2016 concert series, to be announced at the April 2 kick-off event; two 2016 Fair season passes; and a family fun pack.

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s annual meeting!

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Fair to Host Annual Meeting, Board Election Feb. 11

The Alaska State Fair, Inc. will hold its 2016 annual membership meeting on Thursday, February 11. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in Raven Hall on the fairgrounds. Interested members of the public are invited to attend, but only Fair lifetime and 2015 annual members are eligible to vote at the meeting.

The primary order of business is the election of two members to the Fair’s board of directors. Each seat will have a three-year term. A total of four candidates, including two incumbents, will appear on the ballot:

Candidate statements are available for review on the Fair website.

Attendees can also sample a wide variety of unique cuisine prepared by several different Fair food vendor applicants, who will be showcasing their menus at the annual meeting.

Annual meeting door prizes for Fair members include two tickets to any show in the 2016 concert series, two 2016 Fair season passes, and a family fun pack.

One attending Fair member will also go home with two tickets to the first annual Concert Kick-Off Party at the Glenn Massay Theater on April 2, when the 2016 Alaska State Fair Concert Series line-up will be announced. Fair members will be able to purchase concert tickets after they are announced on April 2, before tickets go on sale to the general public April 8. Details on the kick-off party are available on the Fair website.

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Fair Brings Home 14 Awards from IAFE Convention

The Alaska State Fair impressed the judges at the 2015 International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) convention, bringing home a total of 14 awards, including five first-place honors. This year’s convention took place November 29 – December 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

We received a first-place award for the 2015 Fair poster.
We received a first-place award for the 2015 Fair poster.

Our first-place awards included:

  • Competitive Exhibits Awards, Competitive Exhibit Display Photo (Single)
  • Hall of Honor Communications Awards, Printed Promotional Material
  • Hall of Honor Communications Awards, Commemorative Poster
  • Hall of Honor Communications Awards, Misc. Marketing Promotional Display
  • Hall of Honor Communications Awards, Unique Advertising Specialties/Merchandise/Souvenirs

We were also honored with one second-place and four third-place awards in the agricultural, competitive exhibits and communications programs.

In addition, the Fair received the 2015 Wine and Dine Marketing Award for our efforts at the Wine and Dine event, which supports the IAFE Education Foundation and its mission to provide continuing education for Fair management professionals. We partnered with Central Washington Fair and Canyon County Fair to pour samples of donated wine at the event.

Our staff also showed their fun side by dressing as the Alaska State Fair rollercoaster at the IAFE Bacon Fun Run, winning the best team costume award.

During the convention, Roxie Mayberry, the Fair’s corporate partnerships director, graduated from the IAFE Institute of Fair Management. Earlier this year, Kelly Larson, Fair marketing and communications manager, received the IAFE’s prestigious Certified Fair Executive (CFE) designation, which recognizes excellence in the fair management field.

IAFE is a voluntary, not-for-profit corporation focused on promoting and encouraging the development and improvement of agricultural fairs, shows and expositions. The organization, which was established in 1885, today represents more than 1,100 fairs around the world, and more than 900 members from allied fields. Each year, delegates from the US, Canada, the UK and Australia attend the IAFE annual convention.

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2015 Fair Continues Upward Trend

From attendance and concert ticket sales to exhibit entries and recycling, the Alaska State Fair continued its upward trend this year. The 2015 Fair was held August 27 – September 7 at the fairgrounds in Palmer.

Most notable was estimated attendance, which increased to 299,698 this year, compared to 293,827 last year and 288,499 in 2013. Advance admission sales, including tickets purchased online and at Costco and Three Bears, were up significantly this year, with 65,294 tickets purchased in advance in 2015, compared to 56,417 last year and 46,464 in 2013. Following the historic norm, Saturday was the most popular day to visit the Fair, with attendance of 45,059 on the first Saturday and 41,899 the second.

Concert ticket sales were also up, with 31,986 tickets sold in 2015, compared to 28,262 tickets last year. Concertgoers were most excited to see Lee Brice and Jason Derulo, with 5,188 and 5,155 tickets sold respectively.

“We thank everyone who played a role in making the Fair happen, and we thank our loyal customers for coming out to enjoy it. It’s because of you that we had another successful year,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair general manager.

Other areas of growth at the 2015 Fair include:

  • Exhibit entries. The 9,054 entries were up from 8,253 last year, and marked the highest number of entries in the past 10 years. Flowers and crops were the two most popular categories, with 2,009 and 1,434 entries respectively.
  • Recycling numbers. Volunteers collected 34,953 pounds, or 17.5 tons, of recyclable material, including plastics, cardboard, mixed/office and newspaper, aluminum, steel cans and glass. This was up from the 31,121 pounds collected last year.
  • 4-H Junior Market Livestock Auction. A total of 97 youth participated in this year’s event, which raised $210,681. This was an increase from 77 youth and $155,666 last year.
  • Golden Wheel Amusements had 32 rides at the Fair this year, including two new attractions: the Rave, a spinning thrill ride, and the Clown Around, a new ride for the little ones. There were 11 midway games and seven food wagons, with the Black Diamond Coffee Company as the newest addition.

Additional highlights from the 2015 Fair include:

  • There were 488 vendors at the Fair, including 68 food vendors.
  • Steve Hubacek took first place in the 20th annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off with his 92.10-pound entry. Brian Shunskis claimed second place with a 83.85-pounder, and third place went to Keevan Dinkel and his 75.20-pound cabbage.
  • Two new state records were set, including a 4.50-pound tomato grown by Patrick White of Soldotna, and a 24-inch sunflower head entered by Melanie San Angelo of Anchorage.
  • Fairgoers showed their generosity to neighbors in need, donating 13,500 pounds of food and $1,200 in cash during the Fair food drive benefiting Mat-Su Food Bank. The Fair also donated 665 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Food Bank.
  • A total of 2,427 students in grades kindergarten to fifth grade participated in Fair educational programs, in a continued demonstration of the Fair’s commitment to entertainment and education.
  • The Gathering Place: Celebrating Alaska Native Heritage marked its second year at the Fair. 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.

It will be a year of celebration at the fairgrounds in 2016, with the Alaska State Fair celebrating its 80th birthday and Golden Wheel Amusements marking 50 years of entertaining Alaskans. The 2016 Fair is scheduled for August 25 – September 5.

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MTA invests in WiFi at the Alaska State Fair

MTA is replacing the current WiFi infrastructure at the Alaska State Fair with a more advanced commercial enterprise-grade system that will extend the reach, increase the capacity and improve the reliability of WiFi throughout the fairgrounds.

“The upgrades are being made to provide fairgoers and vendors with the latest and greatest in WiFi technology, and to support the growth of WiFi use over the next five years,” said Carolyn Hanson, MTA director of marketing and sales.

The new system will provide better WiFi signal strength, faster connections, Enterprise Class Security, and automatic load balancing during peak times. These improvements are intended to provide a better experience for fairgoers and vendors.

“MTA has been a long-standing partner of the Alaska State Fair,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair general manager. “We are grateful for their ongoing support, including their recent major contribution to upgrade the WiFi network at the Fair. WiFi access has continued to grow more and more important to Fair vendors and fairgoers, and we are pleased to be able to offer WiFi at no cost, thanks to the support of MTA.”

In addition to providing state-of-the-art broadband services at the Fair for more than five years, MTA is one of the Fair’s top sponsors, supporting a variety of events and venues such as MTA Kids Day, the MTA Texting Contest, and the MTA Borealis Tent. This year MTA is also sponsoring the Home Free concert and the fireworks.

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Everyone invited to 4-H Junior Market Livestock Auction this Saturday

sheep_show

A lot of kids are excited to head for the Alaska State Fair this weekend, but probably none so much as the youth participating in the 4-H Junior Market Livestock Auction. The 97 students participating in this year’s auction have spent much of the past year raising an animal for the auction, which takes place this coming Saturday, September 5 in Farm Exhibits at the fairgrounds.

“I am very excited about this fair! I can’t wait until the auction,” says Destiny Reimers, a third-year member of the Idea Champions 4-H Club, who has raised a turkey for this year’s auction.

The auction is open to everyone, whether they want to buy an animal or just show their support for the hard-working group of youth, who range in age from 9 to 18.

“If there are people and businesses in the community that enjoy seeing and promoting youth involvement in business and agriculture, this is one event they will not want to miss,” says Trisha Beames, the corresponding secretary for the Mat-Su Copper River District 4H VLA.

Many of the 4-H youth, including Ryan Eklund, have raised their animals from birth. “I am very proud of and love my goat. I am thankful that I was able to assist in his birth, and I’ve cared for him every day since,” says 10-year-old Ryan.

“These youth have worked especially hard to raise and provide quality market animals,” says Trisha. “They have had to keep extensive record books, attend educational clinics throughout the year and have had to adhere to strict project monitoring guidelines. It is wonderful to see young people today learning life skills of hard work, patience, perseverance and responsibility.”

A small portion of the auction proceeds go back to 4-H to support the program, and the remainder goes directly to the youth participants, who pour their time, energy and resources into raising animals for the event. Esther Lytle, a four-year member of the Colony Clovers 4-H Club, plans to use her auction money to grow her goat herd – and her college fund – while 14-year-old Harley Lytle will put his money toward his future college degree in wildlife biology.

“Many young people have used the 4-H experience as a stepping stone into a lifetime of work with animals by becoming farmers, ranchers, trainers, veterinarians, animal scientists, educators, professional herdsmen and other related careers,” says Kelee Eklund, president of the livestock committee. “Even those not pursuing agricultural-related careers learn about responsibility, work ethic, financial management, and health and nutrition.”

Want to buy an animal? Bidders can check in and preview the animals starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The auction begins at noon.

Can’t make it to the auction in person? You can obtain a sealed bid form that allows you to make a specific dollar amount bid on an animal in advance, and a proxy bid will be made on your behalf at the auction.

But even if you don’t want to bid, there are plenty of reasons to attend the auction, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year:

  • Preview of auction animals from 10 a.m. – noon.
  • Live music by the Colony High School Jazz Band, from 10 – noon. The band will also start the auction by performing the National Anthem.
  • Raffle drawings throughout the auction. Winners will receive goodie bags filled with handmade, Alaska Grown gifts from 4-H students.

Not planning to bid? There are several other ways to support the program:

  • Make an “add on” donation to a specific student after the high bid is announced or at the end of the auction.
  • Make a donation to the Charitable Buyers Club, a group that makes sure all animals at the auction are sold for a reasonable and fair market value. The meat is then donated to the local food bank.

At last count, this year’s auction is expected to feature:

  • 18 beef
  • 35 swine
  • 43 turkeys
  • 28 lambs
  • 8 goats
  • 3 geese
  • 18 pens of chickens (pen of three)
  • 5 pens of ducks
  • 7 pens of rabbits
  • 3 pens of game birds

The animals can be seen in the auction preview, which will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, or at one of this week’s 4-H livestock shows (see the Fair daily schedule for details):

  • Wednesday, September 2: Market Class Shows, 3 – 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 3: Breeding Class Shows, 1 – 4 p.m.
  • Friday, September 4: Showmanship Shows, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“Without the communities’ support, the 4-H Junior Market Livestock Auction could not happen,” Destiny says. “Thank you so much!”