Above the big top

PALMER — Everything and probably then some could be found at the Thursday, opening day of the Alaska State Fair in Palmer. This year marks the 80th anniversary for the event that draws tens of thousands of Alaskans and others to the midway alongside the Glenn Highway.

Dark overcast skies dropped a steady light rain as folks began lining up to get through the turnstiles and inside the fairgrounds proper. That didn’t damper the spirits of fair-goers. Parking lots that were empty as the morning kicked slowly filled as the rain tapered off the drizzle and then just clouds in the afternoon. By 2 p.m., the green, yellow, red and purple trails were bustling with both vendors and attendees.

Dean Phipps, director of marketing and communication for the fair, said the $2 entry fee discount for the opening two hours helped bolster the gate count.

“It’s been my experience that the a lot of locals from the Mat-Su head out for opening day. The food is a lot fresher and people seems to be in a better mood as things kick off,” Phipps said. “Overall, I think it was good opening day. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are promising sunshine and (Friday) is kids’ day.”

The Matanuska Telephone Association is sponsoring the annual Kid’s Day event. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free with the donation of two non-perishable food items. BP sponsors Saturday’s Family Day with the same admission stipulation for youth under 12.

What is it that brings people out to the fair? For 11-year-old Shannon Briggs of Portland Oregon, who was visiting relatives in the area, it’s the rides on the midway.

“The Ferris wheel is my favorite,” Briggs said. “It lets you see everything at the fair. Then you can decide where you want to go next.”

For others, it was all about the food.

“Where else can you find a sandwich with the bread made out of French fries,” queried Scott Sensenbrenner of Anchorage. “Any kind of food you can imagine you can find at the fair!”

While many people focused on the traditional fair treats and rides, there were plenty of other things to do. Hundreds of booths, displays and shows and musical performances for every taste were somewhere to be found among the crowd. One of the more popular draws was the Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Show.

The Wisconsin-based show featured regional talent performing everything from crosscut saw contests, to pole climbing, to test of agility in the log-rolling. Another popular performance came from the magic and illusions of Antwan Towner. His audience participation-based show had young and old alike trying to figure out just how it’s done.

Phipps said Saturday’s Aug. 27 dedication of the Dena' Peoples’ Stage is expected to draw a large crowd. The 1 p.m. ceremony will include representatives from the Chickaloon and Eklutna tribes to christen the fairground’s newest performance area.

Phipps said he estimates 65-70 food booths and approximately 475 overall will be in full swing today.

“Friday should be a full complement. We’ve had one day to get our feet under us. We’ve got five new rides and the weather is supposed to be good,” Phipps concluded.

The fair runs through Sept. 5. For more information on the fair, events and related items, go to alaskastatefair.org.