Fiscal footprint

The Alaska State Fair is an economic engine in our Palmer area community. There are over 2500 jobs created in the support sector, as a result of Fair related spending. And there is easily another 2000 plus direct jobs are associated with the State Fair and vendor operations. Over several million dollars is spent in payroll for fair vendors, and contractors. Another 7 million goes out to the the many folks who run this small festival town—including sanitation, construction, safety, traffic, logistics, gardens, building maintenance etcetera. There are other local plus factors—The Blood Bank of Alaska considers the blood drive at the Alaska State Fair as its most important blood drive. Twenty percent of applicants to police departments originated from initial contact at the Fair. The fair generates over $150,000. in sales tax for the City of Palmer. There are at least 50 non-profit organizations that have informational service booths at the fair to get the word out to the community. Let’s face it…this is a small—but very demanding little city—for a very short time.

Multiplier Impact—When the Fair does well, so does the community. Money is spent at hotels and restaurants and gas stations and grocery stores. A 2014 socioeconomic impact study shows that an estimated total impact from the Alaska State Fair was 23 million dollars. That is not chump change.

Demographics—Numbers from the 2018 Fair showed that 23% of fairgoers were in the 25-34 age group. But there was good representation from all age groups. 95% of the attendees were from Alaska. And exit interview showed:

• 98% of respondents had a positive impression of the Fair overall.

• 89% were satisfied with the Fair being smoke-free.

• 72% of respondents support “no school day” for Anchorage School District students and their families to attend the Fair.

• 90% felt free entertainment offered with fair admission added value to their Fair experience, and 59% said it was very important to their decision to attend the Fair.

• Lower/cheaper ticket prices or discounts (37%), traffic (35%), and parking (33%) were the most commonly reported areas to improve the Fair experience.

• Most (63%) fairgoers were unaware Fair prices have remained the same since 2014.

Fair Time = Food Time— I will make no apologies. The Alaska State Fair is made up of ridiculously wonderful food choices. Crowd sourcing revealed this important list of Fair Food. Read it and salivate—Turkey Legs, Chili Cheese Dogs, Donut Burgers, Denali Cream Puffs, Macho Nachos, Pretzels, Halibut Taco, Patty Wagon fries, Husky Cheeseburger, Parmesan popcorn, Mini Hot donuts, Cheese Curds, Becky’s Kettle Korn, Hand dipped gourmet corn dog, Aloha Whip, Bare Naked Barbecue, Bushes Bunches Peanut potatoes with dip, Broccoli Cheese baked potato, Corn Fritters, Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Glacier Pizza, Gyros, Roscoe’s Ribs, Elephant Ear, Original Gourmet Ice-cream Bars, Talkeetna Spinach Bread, Fryer Tuck’s Corn on the Cob, Pork Chop on a Stick, Crab Cakes, Shriners’ Milkshake, Aunt Linda’s Funnel Cakes, Salmon Quesadillas, Milk and Cookies. I am afraid this is not a complete listing. But it is enough to get started.

The Fair Takes The Town—This is the only time when Palmer is sidelined as an accessory. Usually Palmer is the main stage. But when the fair comes around, Palmer steps back into service mode. This is an okay thing. Frankly, Palmer needs a bit of a relief from the full and crazy summer. Secondly, because Palmer services the Fair World (and all of its’ needs,) it’s good to have a bit of down time.

Watch the World Walk By—The Alaska State Fair is the best local venue to sit and people watch. You will see your neighbors and the rest of the community. The best part of people watching is the opportunity to see and talk with folks you normally don’t see. This is one of the joys of traveling to different places…but with the State Fair you don’t have to drive thousands of miles or fly for 5 hours. Take a moment to appreciate all the diversity in this state and the richness that comes with it at the Alaska State Fair. And say Hi to your neighbors!

See you—safely—at the 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 in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. She is also the creator of the annual Palmer Community Calendar. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222.