Mann at the Fair: All about the kids!

PALMER— Hundreds of kids shuffled through the Alaska State Fair on Friday for the annual Kids Day, where children ages 12 and under admitted for free. There were a number of events, specific activities like the Diaper Derby plus other events like the JR Rodeo with Rodeo Alaska drew in many kids showing off their skills, having fun and making memories at the fair.

“It wasn’t as busy as year’s past- but it was still a good turn out,” Sara Post, ASF event coordinator said.

Kid’s Day features a variety of games and activities for all age groups. Kids competed in games like the Diaper Derby and Toddler Trot.

In past Diaper Derby events, the ASF usually holds multiple heats (races) in multiple age categories. This year, only one category [19 months to 2 years old] needed an additional heat. Post’s daughter Olivia places second in her first heat and didn’t place in the second.

“She did better than last year because she turned around at the hallway mark and ran back to the starting point,” she laughed.

Kids Day has historically been one of the more popular days, according to Post. Next year, she would like to bring in additional Kid’s Day games and activities, adding something new to do.

Here’s a handful of other happenings families can prepare for:

The 501^st Legion, storm troopers, Darth Vader and other Star Wars characters will be providing photo opportunities with a special backdrop on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

Curious George will be at the fair all this 2018 season, doing story time readings at 12:20 and 2:30 p.m. at the Colony Stage. He will also host meet and greets at 1 and 3 p.m. during weekdays and 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the weekends.

Also on Aug. 29 is the return of Pokemon Go Day will be a chance for aspiring trainers of all ages to participate in a plethora Pokémon activities, including timed gym battles, scavenger hunts, a karaoke contest, cosplay contest, and arts and craft stations.

The “Glow Zone” is new this year, colorful and glowing fish from the Tropics were added to Brad’s World of Reptiles. Daily shows weekdays at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and weekends at 1, 3 and 6 p.m.

It’s clear that a majority of people come to the ASF are families. Post said that the Fair and kids go hand in hand because family and education is at their core.

“The fair motto is family friendly,” Post said. “I think the heart of the fair is families and if they stop coming, what fun is the fair?”

More than 150 kids participated in the JR Rodeo this year; a majority of them were girls. Rodeo Alaska manager, Frank Koloski said that more kids are joining their ranks each year.

They all rode around the state, competing against each other while cheering for each other. Support is big in tight knit-knit lifestyle groups like Rodeo Alaska.

“This rodeo is a big family,” Koloski said.

It’s a way of life, according to Koloski. Buckshot Koloski and his buddy, Shaun Cooley agreed that the fair may have some fun stuff and yummy food but they are more focused on their animals.

“My favorite ride is those things,” Buckshot said, gesturing to the horses in the stable.

One 10-year-old girl, Denali Boe took second in the Pole Bending event and is actually the youngest trick rider in the state. He saw her as a shining example and a good representation of a Valley raised kid.

“We have tough kids, we have good kids, and we have competitive kids,” Koloski said. “It means everything. They’re our next generation.”

Cooley said that he isn’t in a hurry to grow up. He said that kids have fewer responsibilities (bills, jobs etc…) than their adult counterparts. At 10 years old, he is remembered the sage advice he’s heard from other adults about these youthful years.

“You’re gonna miss them,” Cooley said.