Global representation at the Alaska State Fair

Did you enjoy your personal Palmer trip around the world in last weeks? You may have thought you were staying in Palmer for the Alaska State Fair. But in retrospect you probably traveled the world while there! Let me explain: Between foods, exhibits, and cultural offerings, drinks, shows, our entire globe was nearly depicted in one way or another. It takes a little analysis but this is the truth. Most every country or region is represented. Think about it for a bit. This is a state fair yet the influences from around the world are obvious. I think that is what America is all about. We are a homogenized group of people with so many backgrounds and aspects. And when it all comes together, it is a joyful thing. The following list is NOT comprehensive but it is a great example of the various influences that we see at the fair. (Let me know if there are additional ones I have missed or missed the mark on.)

Europe—Cirque Ma’Ceo theatrics; Britain— Princess Diana Visual Journey Exhibit; Germany—Beer Drinking and Reuben Sauerkraut Sandwiches and pickles; Hungary—Hungarian Mushroom Soup; Scandinavia—Pia’s clothing, funnel cakes; Switzerland— Yodeling Contest and Bavarian Pretzels; Sweden—Little sweet Pancakes; Spain—Paella is national dish of Spain and the state fair has an entire booth devoted to its’ authentic creation; Scotland—special beers; France— Macrons and Crepes; Poland-Sausages; Italy—pizza; Greece-Gyros, spanakopita and baklava; Africa—Tanzanite African Acrobatics; North America-Turkey Legs, Corn on the Cob, Potatoes in any variety; New England—Clam Chowder in a bread bowl; Apple pie; Canada—Poutines and Maple Syrup; Eastern Seaboard—Crab Cakes, Scallops, Lobster Roll; Deep South—Live reptiles and amphibians and fresh peaches and sweet tea and Roscoe’s Ribs and Crawdaddies; Jamaica—Cajun Jerk Chicken and Caribbean Tres Amigos; Cuba—Red Beans and Rice; Midwest—Pork Chops, Hamburgers, Hot dogs, Philly Cheese, Turkey Legs, Pork Rinds, Cream Puffs; Pacific Islands—Kolohe Kai, Hawaiian Shave Ice and fancy pineapple drinks; Alaska—Indigenous influences in Yup’ik Dancers; Native Youth Olympics, Eskimo Ninja, Native Arts Market, Salmon, Oysters; Southwest-tamales, tacos, quesadilla; Mexico and central America—Hand crafted objects, ponchos, tacos; Australia—meat pies; Russia—Orthodox Russian booth and Pierogies; India and Nepal—Woven capes and mittens; Middle East— Kababs and Hummus; Southeast Asia—Filipino Street Food and parasols;

When you are traveling around the world, you are alert to different languages, aromas, climates and customs. Likewise when you are circumnavigating the Alaska State Fair. Different areas have their own characteristics. It’s a pretty simple difference when you’re in the animal barn versus the midway. However there are plenty of differences you will notice when you become a state fair cosmopolite. Being an explorer, or sightseer, or wanderer, or traveler of the world can bring the greatest joys in life. Likewise with the Alaska State Fair we are exposed to new and different things, outside of our normal comfort zone. Thank you to all the vendors and performers, exhibitors, photographers, participants and state fair staff for creating a wonderful, worldly annual adventure where we ALL enjoyed the ride.

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.