Beer-tasting event to benefit fair’s Creation Station

The Mighty Matanuska Brewfest and Auction, a fundraiser for the Alaska State Fair’s Creation Station, will be held Oct. 17–18 at Raven Hall on the fairgrounds. This 21-and-over event will feature three sessions: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, and 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Attendees can sample local beers, enjoy food and entertainment, and participate in live and silent auctions.

All of the funds raised at the event will be directed toward the fair’s Creation Station, an educational exhibit. According to fair officials, each year, tens of thousands of fairgoers, as well as hundreds of students on school field trips, visit the Creation Station, where they learn from interactive, science-based exhibits, like this year’s Space Spot and Outreach to Space displays.

To improve and expand its offerings at the very popular attraction, the fair is trying to fund a new roof for the Sheldon Events Center, which houses the Creation Station.

In addition to structural improvements, the fair also wants to expand and improve the quality and scope of the Creation Station’s exhibits. Specifically, Ritari said the fair would like to host bigger and better exhibits, extend the Creation Station beyond fair-time, and offer more school visits, field trips and opportunities for community attendance.

The Mighty Matanuska Brewfest and Auction is designed to be a fun way for the community to get involved in supporting the Creation Station. The event is expected to feature more than a half-dozen brewers and 20 to 30 different brews.

Event tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door for each session. Included in the admission are 20 tickets, each redeemable for a 3-ounce sample of beer. Food will also be available for purchase.

Tickets are available at the Great Bear Brewing Co. and Schwabenhof in Wasilla, Vagabond Blues in Palmer and at Glacier Brewhouse in Anchorage. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.alaskastatefair.org and printed at home (convenience fees apply).