One last week of Leonardo DaVinci

This is the last week of the DaVinci Exhibition at the Alaska State Fair. Unapologetically, this exhibit is being highlighted once again for your attention. It leaves NEXT WEEK and if it departs—without your notice—your life will be less rich and interesting. It’s at the Don Sheldon Events Center. I won’t redescribe it for you again, but I will say, don’t miss it Alaska!!!

The State Fair Shuffle—Walking through the fair is always interesting. Visually you see colors and characters and crowds and circus tents. It is a cacophony of shapes and patterns. Sometimes on rainy days or early mornings, the walking paths are unimpeded. People choose a side and walk fancy free. Alternately when the high jam density times hit, its a slow Alaska State Fair Shuffle in an orderly but congested and constrained patten.

Audible notes of the fair are predictably the low roar of talking, mixed with music. mixed with laughter. and punctuated by children’s screams of delight or fear. If you are “walking with your ears” it is clear if you have entered the animal barn. Likewise when you are in the carnival, every clunk and screech has justifiable meaning and significance.

Geography—The Alaska State Fair geography is definitely regional. You know, by the colored moose foot prints, whether you are on either the yellow trail red trail, purple trail or exciting green foodie trail. You instantly recognize the carnival area, the floral area, the Alaska Native area, the horse area. the livestock area, the exhibit area, the Raven Hall, the Sluice Box or the corral.

Aroma—The smells of the fair are distinctive and if you were visually or audibly impaired you would know exactly when you are near the popcorn sellers, the Turkey legs, the animal barn, Fish on, the carnival midway, the perennial garden, the hand cream vendors in Raven Hall, the Sluice Box and the equestrian center.

Fair Science—The geology and natural vegetation of the fair is more difficult to ascertain. Gravel paths still stretch off of asphalt walking areas. Crushed grasses expose untouched natural soils. Larger rocks have obviously been transported and placed for their roadblock ability or aesthetic value. There remains some lovely treed areas providing shade and respite from some of the intense August suns. There is a very famous old cottonwood tree right at the confluence of all the trails, Pioneer Plaza. Lots of new vegetation has been installed along the various buildings and areas.

Recycle—This year the recycling effort is clearly underway through the volunteers at the Valley Community Recycling Solutions and Alaska Waste. This huge sponsorship is from Crowley.

Walk—This year Alaska Vein Care is sponsoring healthy fitness at the fair with a walking route. Your exact one mile is from the Purple Gate to the Red Gate ad over to Raven Hall. That clocks in at exactly one mile and enough steps to justify a piece of Talkeetna Spinach Bread.

One Last Week—Once again I salute the Alaska State Fair. In addition to bringing lots of people to town, it brings commerce, excitement, animals, tourists, oddities, shows, and a jumble of wonderful things which make up wonderful memories. Next week when the fair shuts down, comes the post fair blues. Let’s prepare for it by jamming as much fun and joy in right now.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Email bhunt@mtaonline.net or text at 907.315.3222.