Mann at the Fair: Seasons change

PALMER — Another Alaska State Fair has come and gone, but this year wasn’t just any other year. This was a return from the pandemic cancellation, and what a return it was.

I was at the Fair most days of the week and can say that even on the slow days, it was still decently packed full of people cycling through the grounds.

There was always a line for the ticket booths and always somebody performing onstage. There was always an event to go to and there was always an exhibit or public display to take the whole family too.

One of my biggest takeaways from this season was seeing how much all this still means to a lot of people.

When I think of the Fair, I think of opportunity. I see a free market and chances for people to bring a colorful place that feels like a mini community.

I think of the people I’ve interviewed for years finally getting their chance to bring their art or their live performance to the biggest set of eyes you can ask for as an Alaskan.

The Fair means many different things to many different people, whether it’s a longstanding family operated booth with it’s familiar hand painted sign or a new event giving a local group or individual a chance to show what they’re made of.

In a way, the Fair is kind of like the Alaskan dream, the American dream, whatever you want to call it. It’s the spirit of carving your own path and putting everything you have out there on display, hoping for a chance to be heard.

It’s a festival of lights and an orchestra of colorful characters. It’s work and play the Alaskan way.

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