The FireGuy heats up 2023 Alaska State Fair

PALMER — Brant Matthews, a.k.a. The FireGuy is performing throughout the 2023 Alaska State Fair season until the final day of operation.

This is the first time the Guinness World Record setting pyro performer has participated in the Alaska State Fair. He said that being in the Last Frontier is an exciting opportunity.

"I love it. It's like being in a magic land," Mathews said.

Mathews said the Alaska State Fair is one of a kind and bolsters a high level of quality.

"It's not just funnel cakes and slushies… There seems to be a very do it yourself quality craftsmanship in the food and the vendors," Mathews said.

Matthews marveled at how many determined Alaskans didn't let the rain get in their way. He said many other fairs would have turned into "ghost towns" in similar weather conditions.

"People come out in the rain. I was shocked

I'm amazed at that," Mathews said.

During his demonstrations at the Bluebonnet Stage, Matthews juggles and performs various stunts while handling fire, including an act where he balances on a one wheel skateboard while juggling batons basked in flames. He even eats fire during the finale.

"I really love it," Mathews said.

Matthews lives in Toronto, Canada. He said that he learned how to juggle at the age of 21 and began crafting his skills as a street performer. He said that things didn't pick up until he started incorporating fire into his act.

"I put fire in it and people started to watch," Matthews said.

People started calling Mathews the Fire Guy as he gained momentum and he ultimately made it his stage name.

"It stuck," Mathews said.

Matthews' acts evolved over time as he added new elements such as fire eating and interacting with audience members. He said it felt natural adding jokes into his performances and getting to meet so many different people has been his favorite part of this unique journey he's embarked on.

"It just grew quite organically," Mathews said. "I think it's always good to be a lifelong learner."

Mathews said that he's performed at various state and county fairs across the country. He's had numerous opportunities such as appearing in a recent Adam Sandler movie.

"I'm very privileged to be in this type of situation," Mathews said. "My favorite thing is meeting people talking to them and learning about the places I'm in… My job is at places where people are having fun. You can't fake fun."

Looking forward, Matthews plans to keep doing what he loves and sewing where it takes him.

"I just want to keep improving, to do bigger and better shows," Mathews said.

For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org.

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