Kids Day: What family means at the state fair

PALMER — On Friday, children under 12 were able to get into the Alaska State Fair for free, and families from across the state made their way to Palmer for one of the state’s largest gatherings.

Besides free admission, Kids Day had a slew of activities designated for the little ones. There was a Diaper Derby, Toddler Trot, and other athletic games like the three-legged race that pitted children against each one another to compete for prizes and ribbons. There was even a Kids Only Cookie Contest with awards reaching $100. Kids Day was also a demonstration of family rhythm featuring music from Alaskan Native groups and returning guests, the Lack Family Band. The day was made for the kids. Across the Fairgrounds, the word “family” had several definitions but a common thread — staying together.

Jeanne Kenworthy, supervisor for the Hoskins Exhibit, helped run the Kids Cookie Contest. She said kids and the fair go hand-in-hand.

“Family means everything, especially here at the fair,” Kenworthy said.

MTA was the main sponsor for Kids Day. The Mat-Su Food Bank had donation stations at all four entrances, accepting canned goods and other nonperishables most of the day. Anyone who donated two cans or more got a $2 discount off their admission. According to Mat-Su Food Bank Executive Director Eddie Ezelle, the Kids Day donation totals were down from last year, but he was still pleased by the turnout and marveled at the collaboration of the fair, sponsors, and the general public.

“It’s a community thing,” Ezelle said. “It doesn’t matter what part of Alaska you’re from. We’re all together today. I think it’s great to see all these people come out and not have to pay an arm and a leg and enjoy the day with their kids.”

Two brothers, Elijah and Memphis, said the secret to winning the three-legged race was to synchronize with their brotherly bond. Memphis said it was “easy.”

“We worked together, like 1-2,1-2,1-2,” Elijah said.

At the Gathering Place, the Alaska Native arts and culture center for fair, about 50 Kingikmiut Dancers performed Inupiaq drumming and dancing. Dressed in their cultural attire, they sat in a row and used traditional drums while taking turns dancing center stage. The songs showcased were stories about hunting, crafting/cooking, legends and other significant figures in folklore. They conveyed songs like making Eskimo ice cream and the friendship dance. Most of the songs have been passed down for many generations, some are more than 400 years old and others thousands of years old. One of the performers, Ann Rodgers, said that playing at events like state fair helps to invigorate interest and keep their story going.

“So we don’t lose our songs and dances,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers said she has seen a resurgence of interest in Alaska Native culture and language. Her grandson, Calvin, has been drumming for four years and shows no sign of slowing down. He was even referred as the “family historian.”

“I think it’s coming back. People are realizing its value,” Rodgers said.

The group has been performing at the fair for 25 years. The fair is one of many stops the group makes throughout the year. They also perform at events like Fur Rendezvous, and the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. Entertainment and Vendor Manger of the Gathering Place, Amy Sparck, said that their social efforts are focused on their young people thriving and carrying on their heritage.

“At the gathering place we’re a gathering of all cultures of Alaska and family is the absolute foundation of our identity. It literally defines your strength and helps your culture survive,” Sparck said.

Irene Bedard, actress and former Miss Alaska, will be speaking about her experience as a Native in the entertainment industry with Native Rapper Aku Matu Inupiaq rapper this Tuesday at 2 p.m.

The Lack Family Band played at the Sluice Box. Based in California, the Lack family plays a diverse and soulful mix of Americana, folk, rock and tours the country most of the year. At the box, they played covers ranging from classics like Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin to more contemporary hits from Adele and the Lumineers. Scott Lack handles lead vocals and guitar, and Paula Lack plays the keyboard and contributes vocals. Daughters Deborah (bass and vocals) Sarah (drums) and Chloe (guitar and vocals) round out the band.

They had a pile of CDs next to a donation jar shaped like honey bear jar that “if you’ve got some money please give us some honey.” The CD’s were free to pick up.

“If you’re poor, grab a CD. If you’re rich, give us some money,” Scott said tongue-in-cheek between songs.

Music runs in the family. All three kids began playing music as soon as they could pick up an instrument. Paula and Scott had their own band and later replaced their other members with their offspring because they were more talented. Scott said the secret to their success is unity, saying there’s “power in numbers.”

Living off their music, the family band spends most of its time on the road. They’ve been at it for nine years. Sarah said exhaustion is their biggest enemy. Scott attested that open communication keeps the well-oiled family machine running. This is their fifth trip to Alaska. While exploring, they play at all the fairs across the state.

“Above the beauty is the people,” Scott said.

One fan, Alexandra, said, “thank you for giving me hope for my fellow human beings.”

Paula said that family means “being together, playing together- no matter what.”

At the Kids Only Cookie Contest, Isaiah Rodriguez won first place with his Glazed Blueberry, Lemon Cookies; Sankaty Repnow won second with her Easy Square Cookies and her sister, Heceta won third with her Mint Chocolate Delights.

One of the judges, Ava Moore-Smyth won last year. She said that family has many meanings.

“Mostly, someone who’s there for you,” Smyth said.

The Hoskins Exhibit regularly showcases art of all mediums from across the Valley. There’s always an opportunity for children to enter their paintings, crafts, recipes, and other creations in the fair. Judy Stahancyk, an employee for the Hoskins Exhibit said the exhibit is a great outlet for the kids.

“I think kids need to be encouraged,” Stahancyk said. “We have some wonderful talent in the Valley.”