Railroad cancels Aug. 24 and 25 Fair Trains

The Alaska Railroad (ARRC) has cancelled the State Fair Trains scheduled to operate between Anchorage and Palmer on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24-25. Cancellations are due to resources stretched thin by ongoing weather and wildfire challenges. The four 140-seat trains ¾ 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. departures on both days ¾ were full. ARRC reservation agents are contacting the approximately 560 impacted passengers by email and phone. Ticket purchases will be automatically refunded.

“We know that the Fair Trains are an annual tradition for many local families, and we are very disappointed to have to cancel,” said Reservations & Ticketing Manager Tucker Remley.

The railroad expects to operate the Fair Trains scheduled over the long Labor Day weekend ¾ Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 2. Those trains are also sold out. Resources are not available to add more Fair Train departures next weekend.

Over the past week, ARRC has faced challenges on multiple fronts: heavy rain-driven rock slides in Denali, waterlogged infrastructure from flooding near Seward, and the McKinley Fire south of Talkeetna. These conditions have impacted the track infrastructure. High water and fire threats persist, putting additional strain on resources through the weekend, and possibly into next week. As a result, the railroad would not be able to maintain regulatory compliance to operate the Fair Trains this weekend. Safety remains the Alaska Railroad’s highest priority.

Passengers who have questions about the cancellations, should contact the railroad’s local reservations agents at 800.544.0552.