Tag: alaska state fair

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14 Days of Fun at 2021 Fair


Date: March 4, 2021

Save the Date for 14 Days of Fun at 2021 Fair

Fair Announces Expanded 14-Day Schedule for 2021: August 20 – September 6

Palmer, Alaska – Alaskans will have even more time to enjoy the Alaska State Fair in 2021, as organizers have announced an expanded 14-day schedule for this year’s event. The 2021 Fair, themed Seeing is Believing, will be held Friday, August 20, through Monday, September 6, at the fairgrounds in Palmer. Hours will be 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. During the 14-day run, the Fair will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (August 24 – 25 and August 31 – September 1).

“Our goal by adding another weekend is to help spread out the Fair crowds and keep fairgoers as safe as possible as Alaska continues to respond to the global pandemic,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair CEO, adding that the Fair will be adhering to the current CDC recommendations for large events and will be filing a mitigation plan to the State.

“The expanded schedule will also provide an additional economic boost for the over 400 vendors at the Fair and, of course, provide an extra weekend of fun for our guests,” he added.

The schedule for the 14-day Fair will look much the same as previous years, with a couple of noteworthy exceptions during the first weekend, August 20 – 23:

  • The first weekend will feature fairgoer favorites, including carnival rides, vendors and concerts.
  • The first weekend schedule will also include a free-with-Fair-admission RAM Trucks Timed Event Challenge in the Grandstand.
  • The Farm Exhibits building will be closed the first weekend, as the livestock and their owners need the extra week to prepare. Animals will be in the barn on Thursday, August 26.
  • Perishable exhibit items will also not be featured the first weekend.
  • Early admission prices will be extended through Monday, August 23.

The announcement offers some good news after a challenging year. Last summer, the Fair made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. That was only the second time in the Fair’s 85-year history that the event was canceled; the last time was a hiatus from 1942 – 1946 due to the War.

“Like so many other Alaska businesses and organizations, the Fair has struggled over the past year. As a private nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation, we rely on the support of fairgoers, sponsors and grant-makers. That support was significantly reduced in 2020 due to the tough decisions we had to make to protect the health of our fairgoers, staff, volunteers, vendors, entertainers and others,” Hertel said.

While the annual Fair did not occur, Fair staff was able to organize several smaller events in 2020 that encouraged community support and involvement, while adhering to public health recommendations. Those events included the Encore Drive-In Nights concert series, pop-up drive-in movie series, Food Truck Fare, Harvest Fest, and the Bright Up the Night holiday light display.

“We found some creative ways to connect with our community, but we missed coming together at the Fair last year. We look forward to once again being a gathering place for Alaskans at the 2021 Fair,” Hertel said.

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Glenn Highway Improvements Suspended During 2019 Fair

Glenn Highway Improvements Suspended During 2019 Fair

Work to be paused August 22 – September 2 for state’s largest event

It will be smooth sailing for drivers heading to the Alaska State Fair this year, as the Alaska Department of Transportation will suspend work on Glenn Highway improvements during the run of the 2019 Fair.

To facilitate traffic flow to the largest event in the state, crews will suspend work from August 22 through September 2, resuming on September 3.

During the Fair, drivers can expect both north and southbound lanes to be open. The highway will also be paved, repairs will be complete on the Glenn-Parks interchange, and no detours will be in place.

As always, fairgoers are reminded to:

The Glenn Highway improvement project is important for the Fair and the entire Mat-Su Valley, which is the fastest-growing area of Alaska. Once the improvements are complete, the Glenn Highway corridor will be able to handle 30,000 cars a day.

Glenn Highway improvements include:

  • A four-lane, divided highway fronting the fairgrounds
  • More visibility with wider shoulders and ditches
  • New lighting
  • Dedicated turning lanes into Palmer
  • Accessible pedestrian signals
  • Frontage roads for homes and businesses
  • Bike baths on frontage roads

Additionally, the improvements will eliminate dangerous left-hand turns across the highway, and upgraded signal controllers will communicate with each other, keeping traffic flowing smoothly.

Drive safe and see you at the Fair!

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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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Newsboys with special guest Adam Agee

Tickets on sale to general public Friday, June 21, 10 a.m.

Palmer, Alaska – Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling Christian supergroup, the Newsboys, are the latest addition to the line-up at the Alaska State Fair’s 2019 AT&T Concert Series. Tickets go on sale to the general public starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 21.

The Newsboys have defined Christian music for more than two decades. Along the way, they’ve sold more than 10 million units and amassed eight gold certifications, 33 #1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. Their latest album, United, debuted in May of this year, featuring the hit single, “Greatness of Our God.” Opening for Newsboys is Adam Agee, former front man to the iconic Christian Rock group Audio Adrenaline.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 21, Newsboys tickets will be available:

The Newsboys join the 10 previously announced concerts: all-vocal country band Home Free on August 22, multi-platinum rockers Shinedown on August 23, hot country act Dustin Lynch on August 24, iconic classic rock band KANSAS on August 25, soul/rock/pop powerhouse Tower of Power on August 28, eclectic Slightly Stoopid on August 29, Celtic punk rockers Dropkick Murphys on August 30, platinum-selling country artist Cole Swindell on August 31, comedian Jeff Foxworthy on September 1, and distinctive singer/songwriter Elle King on September 2. Tickets for these shows are currently available on the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org. All concerts take place rain or shine at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre on the fairgrounds.

Once again, the Fair will offer the option to purchase concert tickets including Fair admission.The included admission is at a discounted price and good any day of the Fair. Concert tickets including Fair admission must be purchased by August 21. Concert-only tickets are still available for fairgoers who already have admission. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply on all concert ticket purchases.

Visit the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org, for additional information on the confirmed concerts, and watch for the final 2019 concert announcement. For more information, please contact MK Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at [email protected] or 907-746-7166.

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$6,000 Awarded in Fair Scholarships

Fair Announces 2019 Scholarship Recipients

$6,000 Awarded to Five Alaska High School Students

Congratulations to the five high school students selected as recipients of the Alaska State Fair 2019 scholarships! This year, we received 61 applications and selected five students to receive scholarships totaling $6,000.

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1st Place, $2,500: Sofia Main.

Sofia is graduating this year from Service High School in Anchorage, and will pursue a bachelor’s of computer science degree at the University of Notre Dame. “I want to become a computer scientist to create more effective and affordable assistive technology. My firsthand experience of seeing how assistive technology helps students with disabilities educationally and socially pushes me to make assistive technology even better,” she said. In her Fair essay, Sofia proposed a new event titled “Garbage Can, Not Garbage Cannot,” which would involve high schools decorating Fair garbage cans with a goal to expand student participation in the Fair and provide enjoyable and educational art around the fairgrounds.

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2nd Place, $1,500: Maria Parez.

Maria is a senior graduating from Service High School in Anchorage, and plans to attend the University of Rochester. She is also part of the Biomedical Career Academy, and volunteered 100 hours at Providence Alaska Medical Center last year. In her application essay, Maria explained her idea for a kids’ scavenger hunt at the Fair, in which young fairgoers would explore the fairgrounds, learning about Alaska history, animals and safety, and visit vendor booths, with a side benefit of increasing traffic and sales for participating vendors. “A scavenger hunt would serve as a great way to give families something to do at the Fair while educating children,” Maria wrote.

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3rd Place, $1,000: Collin Herbert.

Collin is a senior at Colony High School in Palmer, where is he also a member of the Thee Colony High School Marching Band. After graduating, Collin will attend the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. “Music has become my life and my life goal. I want to gain as much knowledge as I can to come back to Alaska and inspire our youth here the way that I have been inspired,” he said. In his essay, Collin suggested an interactive musical exhibit showcasing different musical genres with information, instruments and hands-on activities, with a goal to “positively impact relational connections as well as educate the community on the history of musical genres.”

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Honorable mention, $500: Citshiab Yang.

Citshiab is a junior at Bartlett High School in Anchorage, and plans to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage. The first in her family to attend college, Citchiab’s career goal is to become a dermatologist. In her essay, Citshiab explained her idea for a booth at the Fair where she would share her Hmong culture through food, clothing, music and an informational poster. “I believe that my culture should be known,” she wrote. “Alaska is such a diverse community and the Fair brings everyone there. It is the best time to let others know who the Hmong people are.”

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Honorable mention, $500: Wyatt Chadwick.

Wyatt is a senior at Bartlett High School in Anchorage, where he will graduate as the school’s salutatorian this year. An athlete and Eagle Scout, Wyatt plans to attend Utah State University. In his humorous essay, Wyatt (who recently discovered his unique talent of balancing things like chairs on his chin) encouraged the Fair to create a balancing act to entertain fairgoers and give them an opportunity to try balancing for themselves. “Nothing is better than hearing someone walk around a corner and shout at you, ‘What the heck! You have a chair on your chin!’” Wyatt quipped.

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Fair scholarships are open to all Alaska junior and senior high school students who plan to attend college or vocational school. The next call for applications will be made in early 2019. Watch our website or contact Kelly Larson at 907.746.7164 or [email protected] for more details.

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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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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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Taking Over the Alaska State Fair!

Alaskans are taking over the Alaska State Fair! Well, not literally … This year, for the first time ever, we’ve invited six talented, interesting Alaskans to “take over” the Fair Instagram account for a day.

What’s a takeover, you ask? Takeovers are popular activities on social networks where different people “take over” an account for the day. The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s (AEDC) “I Love Anchorage” campaign was a popular example where Anchorage residents took over the AEDC Instagram account. During the campaign, a different person took over the AEDC’s Instagram account for several days, posting about their life, work and play in the city.

In the Fair takeover, each of our invited guests will contribute custom content to the Fair Instagram account for a day. You can see the Fair through different eyes and follow their adventures at our official Instagram account @officialalaskastatefair or follow the hashtag #AKFairFun on Instagram or Twitter.

Here’s who will be taking over the Fair this year:

  • Friday, August 25 – Erin Kirkland, AK on the Go. Erin Kirkland is a freelance writer, author of the “Alaska On the Go” guidebook series and publisher of AKontheGO.com, Alaska’s only family travel resource. Her work has appeared in Alaska Magazine, Alaska Beyond Magazine and other national outlets. Erin is also a columnist for the Alaska Dispatch News and contributes to KTVA 11’s Daybreak morning show as the station’s “Family Fun Expert.” You can find Erin on Instagram at @akonthego and at akonthego.com.

 

  • Saturday, August 26 – Scott McMurren, AlaskaTravelgram. Scott McMurren is an Alaska travel junkie who publishes the Alaska Travelgram, an email travel newsletter, as well as the Alaska TourSaver, a 2-for-1 travel coupon book. Scott lives in Anchorage with his wife, dog and his kids “as they drift hither and yon” and with “lots of sporting equipment in various states of disrepair.” You can find Scott on Instagram at @alaskatravelgram and at AlaskaTravelgram.com.

 

  • Sunday, August 27 – Mikey Huff, AkelaCollective. Mikey Huff is an Alaska-born photographer with a penchant for adventure. Discovering photography late in his high school career, he took to it without looking back. His pursuit of images has taken him from the North Slope of Alaska, to the flea markets of rural Florida. He is a social media entrepreneur, working to build up the community around him. You can find Mikey on Instagram @mikeyhuff and at mikeyhuff.com.

 

  • Thursday, August 31 – Laura Sampson, Little House Big Alaska. Laura Sampson is on a mission. As a lifelong Alaskan, she wants the entire world to know that there’s more to the state than snow and hockey. Laura shares about real life in Alaska, recipes, and other family topics on her blog Little House Big Alaska. She’s a digital influencer, social media specialist, freelance writer and Livestreamer for hire. Laura lives in her original colony house in Palmer with her husband, two of their sons, two dogs and two cats. When she’s not online she enjoys knitting, biking, volunteering and rousing games of badminton. You can find Laura on Instagram @littlehousebigalaska and at Little House Big Alaska.

 

  • Friday, September 1 – Adam Legg, LeggLife. Adam Legg is a digital strategist, small business owner, social media nerd, YouTuber, nonprofit executive director, and bearded male. He and his wife Sherri love experiencing Alaska, traveling and sharing their adventures via their LeggLife YouTube channel. You can find Adam on Instagram @AdamLegg and at LeggLife.

 

  • Sunday, September 3 – Angela Gonzalez, Athabascan Woman. Angela Gonzalez (Koyukon Athabascan) is the indigenous communications manager for First Alaskans Institute. She enjoys taking photos and blogging about the Athabascan culture and Alaska Native topics on her blog, the Athabascan Woman. Angela is a member of the Alaska Native Media Group and the Public Relations Society of America – Alaska Chapter. You can find Angela at @ayatlin on Instagram and at Athabascan Woman.

 

Remember: You can keep up with the takeovers and see what’s happening at the Fair by following our official Instagram account @officialalaskastatefair or follow the hashtag #AKFairFun on Instagram or Twitter!

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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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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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After-Party with Iron Butterfly

After-Party with Iron Butterfly

Monday, August 29

Alaska Glacier Products Tent

8:30pm

FREE with Fair admission

Iron Butterfly will be rockin’ the after-party immediately following the Monday, August 29 AT&T Concert Series performance of Cheech and Chong! After the show wraps up at the Kendall Toyota Borealis Theatre, head over to the Alaska Glacier Products Tent, where the multi-platinum rock band will perform at 8:30pm FREE with Fair admission!

Come rock out to the hits from the band that defined the music of the 60s and 70s, including 60s rock anthem “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” “Iron Butterfly Theme,” “Soul Experience,” “Easy Rider,” “Butterfly Bleu,” “Stone Believer,” “Soldier in Our Town,” “In the Time of Our Lives,” and more!

Iron Butterfly, which is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, released their debut album, Heavy, while on the road with the likes of The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, and The Who. The album remained on Billboard’s album charts for nearly a year!

They followed up with their second release, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, which outsold every record in the music industry history and was awarded the industry’s very first platinum album! In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida stayed on the charts for 140 weeks, including 81 weeks in the Top 10, and has sold more than 30 million copies.

Iron Butterfly’s third album, Ball, reached No. 1 and remained on the charts for 44 weeks. Their subsequent releases, Live and Metamorphosis, both charted in the Top 20.

For more information visit ironbutterflyband.com.

PURPLE BUTTERFLY

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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).