Get ready for the Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair is from August 16 to September 2. This is barely three weeks from now at the end of July! Fair time is such a big deal and there are things to get ready. You know the Alaska State Fair is King of August. It is time for a recalibration of time, because most everything revolves rightly around fair dynamics…..traffic routes, errands, schedules, food, free time, chores, entertainment, grocery runs, parking, get togethers, dates, shopping, shows, and even daily steps.

Disruption for dogs- Fairtime requires And there are family adjustments. For example, dogs DO NOT like the Fair. Dogs’ quality of life is diminished greatly when the Fair is in town. Simply because the dogs are not invited, will normal dynamics shift! No car rides. No walks. No treats. When their human wearily returns from the fair, they are too exhausted to do the normal fun doggy/person things. Plus the human returns home wearing aromas from other strange animals and delicious treats. And it isn’t just one day…..oh no. The human does this time and time again while the fair is going on.

Alaska Fair Personal Requirements—

• If you are a Vendor, you are in the middle of the whitewater rush of preparations.

• If you are a kid, you are collecting your quarters and helping with money chores.

• If you are a music lover, get your tickets for the 2024 concerts.

• If you are a parent, you are exploring the discounted prices with pre purchase of tickets.

• If you are an exhibitor, you are finishing your entries and checking carefully to ensure all is ready.

• Your entry need to be submitted by this Friday or Saturday, August 2 and 3, for anything in the non-perishable category which includes sewing, quilts, photography, hand and needle work, fiber and fleece, ceramics and pottery, craft beverages, creative arts and crafts and woodworking, canning and art.

• Your Perishable and Livestock entries need to be submitted by August 20 and 21 or second entry of August 27 and 28. This includes rabbits, poultry, honey and bees, baked goods, crops, flowers and open livestock.

• Parade Ready— If you want to participate in (maybe the last) Alaska State Fair parade, you need to get your AK State Fair Parade Entry Packet for 2024 submitted. The actual parade is Saturday August 17, downtown at 11AM.

The Newest Little Town is starting to appear!—The Alaska State Fair ground builds 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 and next are big weeks to observe the construction and the state fair’s growing visibility.

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.

Whiners will say, “It’s the Same Old Fair,” But Whiners are Wrong— There are thousands of brand new entries in the exhibits sections of the fair. These entries include original pieces of art, sculpture, fireweed wine, clay yarn bowls, wooden spools, exotic quilts, renaissance dresses, stuffed handmade elves, woven tapestries, and photographs—so beautiful—it will make you cry.

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.