Mann at the Fair: Alaska State Fair Day 1

PALMER — The 2019 Alaska State Fair season has officially started at the Alaska State Fairgrounds. The gates opened to the public Thursday at noon and a moderate crowd cycled through the fairgrounds.

Parents took their kids to their favorite rides. The smells of fried food and fresh cotton candy filled the air.

The grounds stirred with activity as performers from across the state and across the U.S. entertained crowds big and small.

The Alaskan string band Big Chimney Barn Dance held a Family Square Dance inviting fairgoers to join in.

The theme of the day was energy, presented by the Alaska Oil and Gas Association. Several activities and exhibits across the grounds had themes based various energy resources that drive the state economy.

The Mat-Su Food Bank collected cans from attendees who received discount admission prices for their donations.

Prized cows, ducks, rabbits and chickens filled the Crag Taylor Farm Exhibits once again. It’s time again to look at the blue ribbon flowers, art and quits. It’s time once more to snag a sample during the competitive culinary competitions.

There seems to be a little bit of everything, with many returning favorites like the Lumber Jack Show and new additions like the carnival classic come to life Zoltar, the fortune teller.

For daily schedules, visit alaskastatefair.org/site/daily-schedule

Contact Mat-Su Valley reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com