Palmer Buzz

Earnest August—We are now in earnest August. August doesn’t play around like other months. It is definitive and makes a statement. It will rain. Hard. It will be sunny like July. It is unapologetic. It shouts, “Here you are. I’m your very last chance at Summer. And I’m gonna be the baddest and boldest month of the year. Get ready.” No where in the world is August more appreciated than in Palmer, Alaska. It is our last chance. It is our rainbow month. It’s the vegetables last chance.

Ritual—Our August ritual and cherished community tradition, the Alaska State Fair, dominates the month and the region. All other activities take a big step back and let the State Fair take its rightful place as the grand center, from which all things revolve. The State fair is the grand master of our local daily-life circus in these parts of Alaska.

New City—If you drive on the Glenn Highway everyday you will see the signs of the new little city being built at the fairgrounds. Little tiny houses, little roads, tall unidentifiable structures, strange configurations of conexes and construction set ups. And when it is all done, and all operational it feels so grounded, as if it should always be there.

People say….oh it’s the same old fair—That is not true. It’s the same location, with the same basic neighborhoods within the fairgrounds. But there is so much new with every single Alaska State Fair. And that is part of its wonder. It combines old familiarity with new curiosities. It is redolent of memories from childhood, yet it offers new exciting expectations every year. It is indeed a melting pot of characters, shallow pleasures, deep joy, shameless fun, honkytonk music, impressive national touring exhibits, outstanding concerts, fluffy cows, sleek sheep, offensive t shirts, huge puddles, beautiful weavings, fabulous flowers, interesting vendors, hip fashion, indulgent foods, gaudy costumes, world class gardens and plantings, bro culture, killer sandwiches, elegant horses, and baby pigs.

Ticket—The Alaska State Fair offers so much to so many for so little. Yes, I said so little— because the individual ticket cost is cheaper than a movie and/or a meal. And what you experience lasts for hours and hours. You will learn stuff and see people and animals and hear music and be in the festival groove. It is worth it. Some of our very best memories are made at the fair.

Fiscal and Economic Impact-The Fair generated a record-breaking $50.9 million economic impact in 2024, a significant increase from $21 million in 2014. This indicates a positive contribution to the state's economy.

Revenue & Expenses: In 2023, the Fair reported $10.1 million in revenue and $9.55 million in expenses.

Assets & Liabilities: Total assets stood at $14.8 million in 2023, with total liabilities of $610k.

Primary Revenue Sources: Program services are the main revenue stream for the Fair, accounting for approximately 92.0% of total revenue in 2023.

City Sales Tax Benefits: The city of Palmer, where the Fair is held, sees a direct increase in sales tax revenue, with an estimated bump of up to 25% during the Fair's operational period.

Reinvestment: The Fair reinvests its resources back into the community, supporting programs like scholarships, a "Helping Hands" initiative, and school tours.

Revenue breakdown (2022)

Gate Admissions: $3,266,318

Event Admissions: $2,297,437

Space Rental: $1,061,381

Beverage Sales: $864,730

Vendor Percentage: $802,862

Continual Operations—The Fair's operations also extend beyond the annual event, encompassing year-round community events and facility rentals. These activities further enhance its overall economic and social impact on the community and the state as a whole.

Jobs—There are over 2500 jobs created in the support sector as a result of Fair related spending. Another 2000 plus direct jobs are associated with the State Fair and vendor operations.

Money— Over several million dollars is spent in payroll for fair vendors, and contractors. State Fair payroll is another 7 million dollars on top of this.

Blood—The Blood Bank of Alaska considers the blood drive at the Alaska State Fair as its most important blood drive.

Police—20% of applicants to police departments originated from initial contact at the Fair.

Community Services—There are more than 50 non-profit organizations that have informational booths at the fair— to get the word out to the community.

Multiplier local Impact—When the Fair does well, so does the community. Money is spent at hotels and restaurants and gas stations and grocery stores.

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. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222