2022 Chugach Fest draws large crowd in spite of rain

EAGLE RIVER — The 2022 Chugach Fest event drew a lot of dedicated music lovers in spite of the rain.

Darren Smith performed with his band HarpDaddy Unraveled during this year’s Chugach Fest. He marveled at the tenacity of the various Alaskans from all walks of life that made their way to Arctic Valley Ski Area for the annual music festival and stuck it out without worrying about the windy and rainy conditions.

“They’re a tough breed,” Smith said with a laugh.

This year’s lineup included a wide variety of local acts such as Blackwater Railroad Company, the Jangle Bees, SunDog, Michael Kirkpatrick, Greenhouse, and Wiley Post.

“Everyone just loved the lineup this year,” Chugach Fest event organizer David Todd said.

Todd said that Chugach Fest has become a popular summer destination over the last few years. He said it ties in to Arctic Valley’s mission to provide a fun outdoor recreational experience throughout the year, not just during the winter.

“It’s been really gratifying to see it grow,” Todd said.

Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase meals from onsite food trucks or grab a drink in the beer garden over the course of the two day music festival.

“Live music is core to the Alaskan lifestyle,” Todd said.

Smith said this was his second time participating in the Chugach Fest and he appreciated the opportunity to perform at such a scenic venue.

“There’s no more beautiful place to play than up on a mountain like that,” Smith said.

Smith said that Todd always finds a great lineup of musicians every year and he was overjoyed to have the chance to witness so many talented acts in one place. He said it’s one of his favorite places to perform and he’s hopeful about the overall direction local live music is going thanks to venues like Chugach Fest.

“I feel like we’re coming together on the same path. It’s a super cool,” Smith said.

For more information about Arctic Valley Ski Area, visit arcticvalley.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com