Thanks for the memories Alaska State Fair

This will be the ABSOLUTELY last column about the Alaska State Fair this year. I think. But it was so grand and so exuberant, one last look is worthy. Face it….it is Palmer Alaska’s huge END OF SUMMER PARTY…where everyone is welcomed and nearly everyone has a good time in their own way.

Global Representation At The State Fair—Did you enjoy your personal Palmer trip around the world in last weeks? You may have thought you were staying in Palmer for the Alaska State Fair. But in retrospect you probably traveled the world while there! Let me explain: Between foods, exhibits, and cultural offerings, drinks, shows, our entire globe was nearly depicted in one way or another. It takes a little analysis but this is the truth. Most every country or region is represented. Think about it for a bit. This is a state fair yet the influences from around the world are obvious. I think that is what America is all about. We are a homogenized group of people with so many backgrounds and aspects. And when it all comes together, it is a joyful thing. The following list is NOT comprehensive but it is a great example of the various influences that we see at the fair. (Let me know if there are additional ones I have missed or missed the mark on.)

Japan—Tomodachi Daiko Japanese Drum Artistry

Europe—Cirque Ma’Ceo theatrics;

Germany—Beer Drinking and Reuben Sauerkraut Sandwiches and pickles;

Hungary—Hungarian Mushroom Soup;

Scandinavia—Pia’s clothing, funnel cakes;

Switzerland— Yodeling Contest and Bavarian Pretzels;

Sweden—Little sweet Pancakes;

Spain—Paella is national dish of Spain and the state fair has an entire booth devoted to its’ authentic creation;

Scotland—special beers and kilts

France— Macrons and Crepes;

Poland-Sausages;

Italy—pizza; Da Vinci exhibit

Greece-Gyros, spanakopita and baklava;

North America-Turkey Legs, Corn on the Cob, Potatoes in any variety;

New England—Clam Chowder in a bread bowl; Apple pie

Canada—Poutines and Maple Syrup;

Eastern Seaboard—Crab Cakes, Scallops, Lobster Roll;

Deep South—Live reptiles and amphibians and fresh peaches and sweet tea and Roscoe’s Ribs;

Jamaica—Sean Paul, Cajun Jerk Chicken and Caribbean Tres Amigos;

Cuba—Red Beans and Rice;

Midwest—Pork Chops, Hamburgers, Hot dogs, Philly Cheese, Turkey Legs, Pork Rinds, Cream Puffs;

Pacific Islands—Kolohe Kai, Hawaiian Shave Ice and fancy pineapple drinks;

Alaska—Indigenous influences in Yup’ik Dancers; Native Youth Olympics, Anguyak Dancers; Eskimo Ninja, Native Arts Market, Salmon, Oysters;

Southwest-tamales, tacos, quesadilla;

Mexico and central America—Hand crafted objects, ponchos, tacos;

Australia—meat pies;

Russia—Orthodox Russian booth and Pierogies;

India and Nepal—Woven capes and mittens;

Middle East— Kababs and Hummus;

Southeast Asia—Filipino Street Food, dancers and parasols;

When you are traveling around the world, you are alert to different languages, aromas, climates and customs. Being an explorer, or sightseer, or wanderer, or traveler of the world can bring the greatest joys in life. Likewise with the Alaska State Fair we are exposed to new and different things, outside of our normal comfort zone.

2025 Alaska Srowtate Fair Highlights—Without a doubt the amazing Flowers were in top form this year. Rows and rows of purple, red, bright yellow and orange flower beds were along every trail and at every gathering spot. So were the bees— but even the bees this year were mild mannered. Generally everyone seemed like they were in a better mood this year than the last few years. No doubt this is because of the new bathrooms at the Purple Gate!

2025 Lowlights—There was one Major Wind Day, last Thursday. But despite the huge gusts, it was a warmer wind than normal. The law enforcement actions at the fair are always less than wonderful and exactly what one doesn’t want to see. But law enforcement is doing the important job that few of us would want to do ourselves. Let’s give them some grace in all this chaos. Reviews of individual situations will be examined and conflicts will be resolved, outside of the public eye. Parking wasn’t easy this year but will get better. Lessons were learned.

The Primary Purposes of the Palmer Fair is Community, Connectivity and Celebration—This shows up over and over and over. You see people you haven’t seen in decades and its good to sit down and talk. You find connections you forgot or didn’t realize. You celebrate others’ accomplishments and pride. All of these are important. And I believe there is a very solid tradition of the State Fair announcing the transition from Summer to Fall/Winter. A good fair is a reliable spring board for a healthier winter season. Winter darkness isn’t quite as fearful once you have absorbed all the bright lights of the fair festival for several weeks.

Thank you to all the vendors and performers, exhibitors, photographers, participants and all state fair staff for creating a wonderful, worldly annual adventure where we ALL enjoyed the ride.

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. Email bhunt@mtaonline.net or text at 907.315.3222