‘Rain or shine, it's always a good time’ Visitors refuse to let the weather stop them from enjoying the Alaska State Fair

PALMER — August is the rainiest summer month in Alaska and that’s evident to anyone walking around the Alaska State Fair. Many locals have come to expect rainy and windy weather each season but the majority of those interested in attending the Fair are unwilling to let unfavorable conditions get in the way of their good time.

“It's kind of a normal thing. It's Alaska,” fairgoer Julia Lavin said.

Lavin was born and raised in Alaska. She has walked through the Fair gates many times over the years. She said that most Alaskans are used to bad weather and the late summer winds and rainfall are much easier to deal with than the harsh cold and persistent darkness present throughout the winter.

“I don't let it stop me- I can tell ya," Lavin said with a laugh.

This year’s Fair season had a sunny start but the rain and wind have made a consistent appearance since then. The winds were particularly strong Saturday, Aug. 16, resulting in numerous booths blowing over and rides shutting down temporarily.

“I had pop-ups flying everywhere. It was bad," ASF events coordinator Sara Post said.

Post has lived in Alaska all her life and worked at the Fair for many years. She said that ASF staff and participating vendors work hard to ensure the food, shopping, and entertainment are available to the public no matter what kind of weather the day has to offer.

“Rain or shine, it's always a good time," Post said. “It's the time of year so it goes hand in hand. That's why you bundle up and don't let it stop ya. You won't melt.”

Fair vendor Vlad Altman has worked at multiple booths for 19 years. He said that numerous vendors shared their time and resources to assist other booths that were affected by the winds. He said that a supportive nature is common amongst those who work the Fair every year.

“It can be fun down in ‘Tent City,’” Altman said. “Everybody is willing to help someone else out. We're a real close community out here.”

La Joya Sully Morris said this is her third season and she’s enjoyed interacting with so many different people at her booth. She said the Fair staff and volunteers are great at making each season unique and exciting.

“I feel like every year is better,” Morris said.

Morris said that she’s seen a lot of visitors, even on particularly rainy and windy days.

“People still come. They don't care," Morris said with a laugh.

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