Second annual Mat-Su Summer Festival draws hundreds of visitors

BUTTE— Alaska Raceway Park’s second annual Mat-Su Summer Festival went off without a hitch over the weekend, drawing hundreds of people to enjoy three full days of vendors, food trucks, carnival rides, games, and live music.

“It went really well. We had a steady turnout all weekend,” Alaska Raceway Park owner and race director Michelle Lackey Maynor said. “I know the bands that played were well received. It seemed like everyone was having a really good time.”

According to Lackey Maynor, there were over 100 vendor booths for visitors to browse through, ranging from custom crafts and jewelry to face painting and pony rides.

Summer Festival vendor Rachel Huddleston ran a booth for her homegrown small business, Wanderlust Crafts during the event. She said events like these are crucial to her business and many other vendors as their primary means of sales.

“It’s nice seeing familiar faces,” Huddleston said. “A lot of us do this as our small businesses because we can’t afford storefronts. So, we need events like this, and this is more flexible than a storefront.”

A-1 Midway carnival rides and attractions were introduced to the Alaska Raceway grounds for the first time this summer. Attractions have been available on weekends and during events at the park throughout the season, including the Summer Festival.

“It was really neat to see everyone out there,” Lackey Maynor said. “It was a lot of fun.”

Alaska Raceway hosts this new annual tradition with their partner, Mat-Su Events.

“They’re doing a good job putting this together. It’s exciting to be working with them,” Lackey Maynor said.

Overnight camping was also available for Summer Fest attendees. Lackey Maynor said a lot of people camped during the event, adding to their overall experience. She said this festival reflects their ongoing commitment to creating an all-in-one summer destination for families visiting Alaska Raceway.

“We’re not done yet, but it’s getting more well-rounded with the events we do,” Lackey Maynor said.

After Summer Fest, racers and race fans can come back for Independence Day for a full weekend of race events, carnival rides, pit camping, and patriotic tributes to the U.S. military. On top of the regular race season, there will be other family-oriented events like the Power Wheel catered to young racers.

“It’s flying right along… It’s been a really good summer,” Lackey Maynor said. “We’ve enjoyed adding new things… There’s always more things we plan on working on for next year to make the experience better.”

For more information about the Alaska Raceway Park, visit raceak.com.

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