‘This is a pretty magical place to be’: Alaska State Fair CEO reflects on 2024 season

The 2024 Alaska State Fair season showcased several notable milestones.

According to Alaska State Fair CEO Jeff Curtis, the overall attendance reached an all-time high this year. There were 370,485 fairgoers, which was nearly 4,000 more than last year's total number.

"I couldn't be more happy," Curtis said. "It's a record number for us... That's super exciting. I'm super proud of the team.”

Curtis said there were several factors that seemed to help them reach this overall attendance milestone including a record number of concertgoers that were entertained by a strong lineup of 2024 performers, new attractions like Cirque Ma'Ceo, a strong existing base of fairgoers, a well rounded experience across the grounds, and general worth of mouth.

“People have recognized how special and fun this Fair is,” Curtis said. “This is a pretty magical place to be.”

Over 600 vendors participated in the 2024 Fair season, according to Curtis. He said that's typically how many vendors people can expect each year. He said that he's happy with the overall quality and diversity they are able to host across the Fairgrounds, and he appreciates the various vendors’ commitment.

“I feel that we continue to offer people the food and the items they want. I think that's what the Fair does,” Curtis said.

The Fair's agricultural aspects also had their share of highlights. The giant pumpkin and giant cabbage weigh-offs drew a large number of spectators in spite of the lower number of contestants. According to a press release, the 4-H/FFA Junior Market Livestock Auction made a substantial amount of money, raising $589,306 with 141 animals sold, far surpassing the 2023 auction which brought in $510,000 with 107 animals sold.

According to the press release, eight new state records were set among the agricultural division during the 2024 season.

Curtis said the Fair's agriculture deserves the high amount of attention it has garnered and pays homage to its historical roots.

“The agricultural part of the Fair is the core part of the reason that the Fair exists,” Curtis said.

ASF teamed up with the Mat-Su Food Bank to hold a food drive which brought in about 7,000 pounds of canned goods this season. 434 pounds from the crops exhibits and 300 pounds of produce collected from the onsite gardens were also donated to the Mat-Su Food Bank.

The Alaska Zoo received a large amount of vegetables from the Fair which also donated flowers to local businesses and organizations with help from the social media group That Thing Goin’ On.

A total of 31.7 tons of aluminum, plastic, paper, steel, and cardboard was collected through the annual Alaska State Fair Recycles initiative. According to the press release, 469.8 tons of recyclable materials have been saved from landfills since 2002.

Curtis said that he was thrilled to have such an impactful Fair season and he’s looking forward to the next one.

“This season was a tremendous success, hands down,” Curtis said. “We set the bar high. We've got to try to exceed it now.”

The 2025 Fair theme has officially been announced and its title is “Reach for the Stars.” The 2025 season will run from August 15 to September 1, 2025.

For more information about the Alaska State Fair, visit alaskastatefair.org.