The Alaska State Fair  always attracts thousands to the Valley, rain or shine. Most people come to the fair with good intentions: have fun, eat food that’s not on any other menu, enjoy rides, see the livestock and crop exhibits. It’s an event that’s great for all ages.

Like any crowd of significance, however, there will be people with bad intentions or they just end up drinking too much and things get out of hand.

In the recent past there has been a shooting, reports of gang violence, fistfights, vehicles broken into, counterfeiting and many other criminal activities. So, while enjoying the fair, be aware of your surroundings.

Don’t leave anything in your car you don’t want stolen.

If you see someone acting oddly, contact security.

Don’t plan on getting to the fair in a hurry. You’ll just frustrate yourself and your traveling companions. The traffic will be backed up, there’s no getting around it.

Remember where you park your car. Palmer police have spent a lot of time in the past investigating a stolen vehicle only to find it where it was parked in the first place.

As much as vendors would like you to be there from opening gate to close down, that’s not a good idea. Drowsy drivers kill people. And while you may be enjoying a day at the fair, everyday traffic will be on streets, roads and highways. You need to be alert. Getting to the fair is only half the trip.

Obviously, all the rules regarding alcohol apply. Just because you’re at the fair is no reason to get wasted.

There will be plenty of drug transactions as well, so keep that in mind before you let your teens loose.

It seems like every year there are some bee stings. If you are allergic, carry your medicine and make sure you know where the building is that houses the medical staff. That goes for peanut and other allergies as well.

If you aren’t familiar with the facilities available like restrooms, or need cash from an ATM, the state fair has an interactive map that will help you navigate the grounds from home before getting to the fair. That site will also direct you to the various exhibit halls, event dates and times, and color-coded parking lots.

So do yourself a favor and go to alaskastatefair.org to get a head start on enjoying the fair experience.