THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

By GREG JOHNSON

Frontiersman

PALMER — The assignment seemed easy: Give an overview of entertainment at the 2010 Alaska State Fair.

Seems simple enough — until you realize there’s basically nothing that happens at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in the 12 days from next Thursday through Sept. 6 that isn’t entertainment.

There are headline acts like Kenny Rogers, Howie Mandel, Ricky Skaggs and Boyz II Men and shows with a more Alaska feel, like the Homesteader Games with Hobo Jim and the annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-off. The only thing that can weigh down visitors at the fair are the calories from giant bags of kettle corn, ribs and other fine fair food.

Anyone who says they’re bored at the state fair “just isn’t trying,” said Jillyan Webb, executive director for the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce. As a girl growing up in the Valley, she was a regular participant in 4-H contests and still never misses a fair as an adult.

“Oh, my goodness, how could you be bored at the fair?” she said. “There’s just so much to do and such a variety, a lot of free or inexpensive events and shows, too. Truly, if you’re a family on a budget, you could go and still have a great day.”

Along with being entertained, Webb admits she’s also part of the entertainment. She likes to people watch and this year will compete in the Homesteader Games.

“The fair has done a fantastic job with not just the musical entertainment, but the other activities,” she said. “I have been practicing for the Homesteader Games working on my cross-saw skills. You know, I am one Alaskan woman. We were cutting a lot of firewood this last weekend, so I’m feeling pretty confident.”

There’s plenty to cultivate the curious agriculture enthusiast with the fair’s world-famous Giant Cabbage Weight-Off, where last year’s 127-pound world record crucifer attained more celebrity status than many of the national music acts. There are also garden tours, a milking parlor, petting zoo and the Antique Tractor Pull.

Traditionally a venue for showing off the state’s agriculture and youth efforts, the fair also tries to keep up with the times, Webb said. One new addition to last year’s fair is back for 2010 — the MTA Texting Contest.

“That’s one of my favorites,” she said. “Those people absolutely amazed me last year. I could never compete with them. I was surprised, too, to see some of the ‘other’ generation there texting, not just high school students.”

Another new event is the electronic scavenger hunt, where fairgoers use their Android or iPhone devices.

Those with an itch to do more than watch can become the entertainment. At the Legendary Karaoke Contest, participants can show off their vocal skills, and other talents are on display at Alaska’s Got Talent and the State Fair Fiddle Contest.

The Backhoe Rodeo is also a favorite, especially with Webb’s husband.

“The Backhoe Rodeo is one we always go to because that makes my other half happy,” she said. It’s a marital compromise that works. “If I can take the Backhoe Rodeo, that means I can drag him to the quilt exhibits.”

Those with a hankerin’ to kick up their heels a bit won’t want to miss the Harvest Moon Dance with Bill Tull and his big band on the next to last day of the fair. There’s also the Jake and Elwood Blues Review and Alaska State Fair Rodeo Dance with local favorite Ken Peltier.

Perhaps the best advice, Webb said, is to check out the Alaska State Fair website, alaskastatefair.org. There, anyone can review daily schedules along with itineraries for national acts and contests. There are also themed days, where people with particular interests may want to focus their time.

“To make the most of your fair experience, especially with a family, it’s good to have a general idea of what you want to do,” she said. “The heart and soul of the fair was always my favorite, the 4-H events, and we always make sure to check out those exhibits. … I always try to experience as much of it as I can,” she said. “It only comes around once a year, right?”

DON’T-MISS PICKS

Still need some help? Here are a few don’t-miss picks from Frontiersman staff:

• Jeremiah Bartz, sports editor: “Has to be Aunt Linda’s funnel cakes.”

• Andrew Wellner, reporter: “Either the Demolition Derby or Kenny Rogers, it’s a toss-up.”

• Kris Moore, circulation: “Oh, it’s the Lumberjack Show. It’s free and the guys are hot.”

• Lena Lawhead, office manager: “I’d have to say the onion rings at the fry shack.”

• Greg Johnson, reporter: “I’m torn. The Wild and Dangerous Desert reptile show was great last year, but I’m intrigued by the beard and mustache contest. That’s new, so don’t know if it’s a don’t-miss pick or not.”

• Kari Sleight, publisher: “It’s the Denali Cream Puffs.” She recommends the half-and-half, half chocolate and half strawberry. “You can’t eat two whole ones, and why deprive yourself of both?”

• Robert DeBerry, photo editor: “The rodeo. It’s pretty cool.”

SCHEDULE AND MAPS

For complete daily and event schedules, along with interactive maps and parking information, at the 2010 Alaska State Fair, visit alaskastatefair.org.