Community perspective: 38th Annual Bear Paw Festival Returns to Eagle River and Chugiak from July 12-16

From July 12-16, Eagle River will welcome locals and visitors to the 38th Bear Paw Festival. Primarily located in the business corridor of the town, the Festival historically attracts tens of thousands of Alaskans during the five-day event. The annual extravaganza is hosted by the nonprofit Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce to showcase how unique and livable our community is!

This year’s Bear Paw Festival is launching an exciting new journey for the state, as Chugiak-Eagle River becomes Alaska’s Base Camp for Adventure. Locals, other Alaskans, and visitors can set up their “base camp” here for many recreational activities. Think hiking, biking, snowmachining, fishing, hunting, boating – adventure calls you to this area perfectly situated between Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valleys. We’ve got the Chugach State Forest in our backyard, countless lakes nearby, the namesake river, and miles of trails just waiting for you.

The 2023 Festival theme is appropriately called Celebrating Chugiak-Eagle River: Alaska’s Base Camp for Adventure. It wouldn’t be Bear Paw without the famous Slippery Salmon Olympics, Grand Parade, and Classic Car Show, to name a few. Another fabulous spectator event is the Human Foosball Tournament on a large inflatable field!

Want to participate rather than watch? We’ve got an event for you! From the kid-friendly Teddy Bear Picnic to the adults-only Trivia Night, the Motorcycle Show to the Cornhole Tournament, Goat Yoga to a guided Paint Night … there’s something for everyone.

Ready for even more fun? Locally-owned Golden Wheel Amusements is again bringing a carnival to downtown! And after a brief hiatus we’re welcoming back Bear Paw Royalty, plus the Bear Paw LIVE Beer Garden in Town Square Park returns featuring Alaskan breweries. Don’t miss all of the food, crafts, and other local businesses at the Bear Paw Vendor Court managed by Alaska Markets & Events and our very own Chamber Member Food Vendors in Town Square.

Check out bearpawfestival.org for a list of events, vendors, parking and shuttle information, road closures, frequently asked questions, and more. Follow us on Facebook (we’ll be streaming live and posting Reels throughout the Festival) @BearPawFestival.

I hope you’ll join us for the Bear Paw Festival June 12-16 and make Chugiak-Eagle River your Base Camp for Adventure!

Britney Olsen is the Executive Director of Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce.