The Button Guys celebrates 30 years at Alaska State Fair

PALMER — One thing many people have in common when it comes to the Alaska State Fair is purchasing the iconic round photo buttons available at The Button Guys booth.

“We don’t take pictures, we make memories,” The Button Guys photographer Troy Bissonette said. “We’re here for a good time.”

The Button Guys celebrated its 30th year at the fair, further cementing its status as a staple part of the overall fair experience to countless families, friends, and couples that have come to count on every season.

John Fischbach said that he started The Button Guys to have fun and everything is going according to plan.

“It’s amazing. It’s a blast. It’s summer camp for adults,” Fischbach said. “The camaraderie’s my favorite, and making people smile. I love people and want everyone to be just as happy as me.”

Fischbach said there are a lot of families that come to the Fair just for the photo buttons. He said some of them have made it an annual ritual lasting several decades. Some people have even proposed at the photo booth and captured the moment inside a button.

“Tradition is what keeps families together,” Fischbach said.

Fischbach’s son Johnny grew up working in the family business. He said that he feels a lot of pride seeing photo buttons on people’s fridges. He said that he wants to help keep this tradition going strong for years to come.

“I’ll keep it running until the wheels fall off,” Johnny said.

Something you’ll notice about all photo buttons is the signature tie dye background.

“That’s never gonna change,” Johnny said with a laugh.

The Button Guys is one of the longest-running fair booths to date, but they can be found at other venues across the year, such as the Pirate Pub Crawl in Anchorage, the Big Lake Lions Mud Volleyball Tournament, and Locals Pub and Pizzeria. They also hold private events upon request.

Bissonette said that no matter where they go, they make lasting connections with customers and their fellow vendors. He said the Fair is a prime example of that with them trading items and offering general assistance throughout the season.

“Us vendors, it’s like a big family. We take care of vendors around here and they take care of us,” Bissonette said. “We like making everyone happy.”

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