Palmer Start Your Entries

This is the first week of entries for our Alaska State FairPalmer, “the home town” needs to strut our stuff. This newspaper column is going to tell you how to do exactly that as an exhibitor at the state fair. It isn’t difficult. It is fun. But there are certain important steps which will be outlined here. There are complete instructions at the Alaska State Fair website, which I would suggest reading completely.

Pick Your Category—If you draw a wonderful Manga comic, select Art. If you make a mean salsa or pickled pea, select Canning. If you make sweet blueberry crumble, select Baked Goods. If you spin pots, select Clay Arts. There are seventeen specific categories to choose from and many sub categories as well. The categories are divided into non-perishable and perishable entries and there are different dates for entry.

This Week is the Non-Perishable Entry—Perhaps you made a string mobile for a child’s crib this year; that would be Creative Arts and Crafts. Perhaps you photographed the perfect double rainbow with your dog’s silhouette; that would be photography. Perhaps you just finished sewing your first kuspuk; of course that would be Sewing.

Non-Perishable categories include: Art, Creative Arts & Crafts, Woodworking, Canning, Clay Arts, Fiber & Fleece, Handwork & Needlework, Honey & Beekeeping, Photography, Quilts, Spirited Beverages & Soda Pop, and Sewing They are DUE this week at the Fairgrounds on either THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

Pack Your Palmer Entry and Drive it To the Fairgrounds—This seems like a silly thing to discuss. But it isn’t. Transporting your entry carefully must be a mindful thing. It is heart breaking when your honey jar breaks in your car. Or when your watercolor fades out because of sitting in a hot car all day. Or when your dog pushes your handmade quilt into a ball in the back seat. Can you imagine if the project you worked on—for 3.5 months—decided to tumble at a red light? I speak from experience. Buckle up your entry. Drive carefully. Allow enough time, so you aren’t chasing deadlines.

Make Double Sure You have Met the Specifications—Again, refer to the Alaska State Fair website. If it says the wire must be tight, make sure the wire is tight. If it says 6 ounces, only deliver 6 ounces. If the limitations are 2 feet by 3 feet, do not make it 2 feet and 2 inches by 3 feet and 3 inches. The reasons for these exacting specifications is for fairness in comparison in the judging competition contest. There are also size and safety limitations.

Lifetime Entry Number—If you have entered items in the State Fair before, then you already have a Lifetime Entry Number. If this is the first time, you will receive one on Entry Day. You use that personal entry number on your entry form. You receive the yellow copy of the form and you need to keep it so you can pick up your entry after the Fair is over.

Be Kind to the Fair Volunteers—Accepting the Fair entries is a time-consuming job. It can be stressful for both the Volunteers and for you. Remember this is a fun thing. Allow yourself enough time so you can enjoy the process.

Enjoy the Pre-Fair Feeling—This is perhaps the most important thing. When you are entering exhibits, you are also starting the pre-fair feeling. Look around and you will see a small city being built. You will see an entirely creative community taking shape. You know that within two weeks, an amazing array of activities and offerings will surround you. Palmer becomes the destination of hundreds of thousands of visitors. By bringing your small entry, you are part of the fair. This is truly the joy of the Alaska State Fair.

Palmer Be Proud—Take the time to participate and enjoy this once-a-year celebration. Bring your thing and show it off, Palmer!

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff and occasional reviews 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