Annual Battle of the Businesses event draws large and fun loving crowd

WASILLA — The second annual Battle of the Businesses event at Snider Park drew an enthusiastic crowd Friday, Aug. 5.

“It was so much fun. It was amazing,” Kids Kupboard Executive Director Lynette Ortolano said. “People came out in full force this year.”

Battle of the Businesses is an annual event put on by Kids Kupboard, New York Life, and Hometown Lenders. It’s a day dedicated to fun and free food.

This year’s event was larger than the inaugural event, featuring additional activities and points of interest for visitors, including a visit from Shorty the Alaska Clown and a free axe throwing area provided by Last Frontier Axe Throwing Company.

The highlight of the event is the inflatable jousting contest with participating business owners and staff battling other companies with only one emerging victorious and decreed that year’s champion.

20 teams participated this year, according to Ortolano. Participants really got into the spirit of fun and many of them wore flashy and silly costumes.

“They can’t wait until next year,” Ortolano said.

Last Frontier Axe Throwing Company won this year’s inflatable jousting tournament.

“They did a great job,” Ortolano said.

This fundraising event is free and open to the public. All proceeds from donations and team registrations go towards Kids Kupbaords efforts during the coming school year. Ortolano said they were able to raise over $10,000 this year.

“I think it was a huge success. I just think it’s a really good opportunity for do-gooders to break bread and raise money while they’re doing it,” Ortolano said.

Ortolano said they aim to keep expanding this event each year, adding assets such as a petting zoo and a second inflatable jousting pit for contestants.

“This thing is gonna get huge,” Ortolano said with a laugh. “It’s not going away anytime soon,” Ortolano said.

For more information, call 907-360-9476 or visit kidskupboard.org.

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