Another great reason: Alaska State Fair

The end of the summer is a time when most Alaskans celebrate. You wouldn't think that losing daylight and the coming of winter would be a time to party, but it definitely is. Why? The Alaska State Fair.

Every August, the Alaska State Fair trumpets the coming of fall with huge vegetables, tasty food and fun and games for people of all ages. The fair means a lot of things to a lot of different people, but the theme of fun remains constant with everyone.

Kids flock to the fair to enjoy cotton candy, caramel apples and the rides. The midway tosses and turns kids in all directions, offers large stuffed animals if your aim or your arm is just right and lets adults get in touch with their inner child. The livestock exhibits are a must-see for children as well.

Older folks get to the fair for the crafts, the food and the entertainment. Whether it be hard rocker Ted Nugent or country crooner Pam Tillis, the fair's entertainment is usually a big draw among local crowds.

Tourists hear about the giant vegetables -- including 100-pound cabbages -- well before they ever get to Alaska. The fair is a chance to see these monsters in person, and tourists and residents alike marvel at the size of the rutabagas, radishes and carrots.

After an initial breeze through the fair, people can enjoy all of the exhibits. Art, photography, flowers, beer, wine, quilts and countless other things are exhibited, with ribbons given to top choices in each category.

Running through Labor Day, the Alaska State Fair packs a powerful punch. An entire year's worth of activities and entertainment are jam-packed into 11 days, making the event the highlight of the year for many.

All activities take place on the Alaska State Fairgrounds at Mile 40 Glenn Hwy., just outside of Palmer, where you can watch the sun set behind the mountains before cuddling up and watching the fireworks light up the sky while enjoying a warm funnel cake, elephant ear or scone. During the day, you can enjoy corn on the cob, turkey legs, ribs, Mexican food or a seafood pocket for dinner, and finish the meal off with a bowl of ice cream to tame the hot August days.

The fair runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 2 this year. It is open weekdays from noon to 10 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for Friday nights. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free. Feature concerts range in price from $18 to $22, which includes fair admission when purchased in advance.