Building a little temporary town

Every year Palmer becomes a MUCH bigger town for a few weeks. The Alaska State Fair becomes its’ own little town, right down the street from Palmer. The reappearance of the State Fair is exciting as the builds and creations take form. This week is a big week for the state fair’s growing visibility.

Town Needs—Every functioning town needs schools, police, waterworks, sanitation, walkways, parking, clinic, businesses, attractions, shelters, gateway, and a public common. Because the Alaska State Fair is used, year round, many of these facilities are solidly built as permanent structures. But the Fairgrounds functions change frequently year round, with varied venues and themes—which is the wonderful part of this large facility. The acts may change but safety needs and access in emergencies stay a priority.

Both Towns Work!—One of the reasons Palmer is a superior small town is because of the unique characteristics of slow pace, family orientation, proximity to nature and valuable authenticity. The Alaska State Fair is slightly and appropriately different. It has all of the above but it is geared to a short few weeks with an abundance of visitors, events and internal shows and festivals.

Fifteen Minutes—An old saying is that “a functional town works if you can get anywhere in fifteen minutes.” This is definitely true with both Palmer and the Alaska State Fair, although at 5pm, during Palmer’s “rush” minute, it could be a challenge. Likewise with the State Fair, on one of those brilliant weekend days when the crowds are extreme.

Good Size and Definition—Both Palmer and the Alaska State Fair are clearly defined and set apart from the more rural nature of the surroundings. Urban planners traditionally prefer oval or round shapes for towns and not long linear strip development. Sprawled fairgrounds do nothing for community and likewise urban sprawl has the same problems. Keeping compatible things together and localized is good for everyone.

History—The Alaska State Fair has good history to cling to, as does our Palmer area. And recognizing local history helps the community participate. Prior to any organized fairs there was a historical trading network between Russian traders, homesteaders and the Dena’ina Athabaskan Indians. Organized fairs began in the 1920’s for about five years. However, the Fair didn’t take hold until 1936, after government efforts to populate a farming community were beginning to be successful. The fairground has at least five historical buildings dating back to 1917. The majority of historical buildings are from the Colonist Era in the 1930’s.

Favorites—There are the fair food place holders who have stood the test of time; devoted customers return every single year. These are well-loved—like the Potato Palace, Aunt Lindy’s Funnel Cakes, Oysters, St. Micheals, Husky Burger, Pork Chops on a Stick, Taco Dan’s, Turkey Legs, Denali Cream Puff, hot mini doughnuts, fresh peaches, or the Cookie Booth. Then there are the somewhat newer favorites which are exciting and are now in the long game because of their constant, exemplary product. Tres Amigos, Reuben Haus, Talkeetna Spinach Bread, Salmon and Crab. Just listing these fair food places makes many drool.

Unique shops, charming cafes, and interest—Once again both downtown Palmer and the Alaska State Fair has all of this. Once again this is testament to a planned vision of the local people involved in the city and fair boards along with community care, dedication and sentiment.

Green Space—This isn’t a new concept. Parks and gardens have always been valuable in history. The State Fair incorporates many gardens, flowers, paths, and pocket parks throughout the fairground. Palmer too recognizes the peace and joy that comes from including nature’s resting spots and recreation within the city

Temporary Town—As the annual State Fair celebration unfolds this week, let’s take a moment to be grateful for their presence and dedication to our community. As the new little buildings are moved into place and the vendors stock up on supplies, let’s be happy for this great, last fling of summer crazy fun. There will be more traffic and possibly some inconvenience but it is a tradition of family and community joy. Yeah Palmer! Yeah Alaska State Fair!

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222