Anticipate making new state fair memories

Being the mayor of the town that hosts the Alaska State Fair gives me a great advantage in any social situation. No matter what the gathering, regardless of age, profession, interest or political affiliation, I can be sure that any mention of the fair will cause a smile and bring a happy note to any conversation.

What makes the fair so successful? What makes it the largest event in Alaska year after year?

The fair is growing and successful because the depth of its community roots provides nourishment for growth and change. The fair thrives because it retains the best of the past, and population increases force continuous change. As a result, the Alaska State Fair stays fresh and current.

Why the smiles and goodwill at any mention of the fair? The anticipation of fun, new experiences associated with positive memories makes everyone just a little bit happier.

Many of you have participated in the fair’s history. From its beginning in 1936, the fair has been building traditions, events and culture.

Along with the stories of fun and play on the midway, people share stories of receiving calls from relatives who thought they may have hit it big because they had inherited “stock” in the Matanuska Valley Fair Association Cooperative, or tales of long hours working to finance their college education. Every one of the hundreds of thousands of fairgoers for the past 76 years has a story.

The history of the fair is in these stories. Good memories. Good history. An ever-changing tapestry. These memories are as varied as the person and era, different but somehow predictable. This great history sets the tone that adds to the anticipation for every new Alaska State Fair.

Big cabbages and big concerts are headliners this year. Again this year, our favorite vendors, foods and events will be back in town. The things that are already perfect will be there waiting, and other events and vendors will provide something just a little bigger and a little better than last year.

Food booths are one of the wonderful traditions. In an environment where the slightest change in funnel cake recipe could cause things to turn ugly, fair management has had the good sense not to mess with success.

The most obvious changes in recent years have been in the quality and size of the concerts and entertainment. This year promises another great mix of traditional favorites, new events and amazing entertainment. Tickets are nearly sold out for many acts already.

What about the future? I am quite sure the fair will be flourishing in Palmer for a long, long time. Every year the fair steps up the quality of its main stage concerts, and the bigger the names, the bigger the venue needed. Who knows what the future holds, but I can predict that whatever direction the fair goes, it will be well done.

There are many new experiences to be had at the fair this year, so when you are finished with the old favorites, step off the beaten path. If you haven’t seen anything new at the fair lately, it’s not because it is not there.

Don’t let everyone else have all the fun and adventure. New events and new memories are out there waiting. Go find them! See you at the Alaska State Fair!

It is great being the mayor of the town that hosts the Alaska State Fair, the largest and happiest event in Alaska.

DeLena Johnson has been mayor of Palmer since October 2010.