The Alaska State Fair

I’ve been going to the Alaska State Fair for over fifty years. It’s gotten bigger over the years, but the carnival booths and rides and the livestock barn are in the same locations they’ve always been. The pumpkin and cabbage competitions never cease to amaze me. I’ve convinced a third generation of our family that the salmon quesadillas are a required part of the experience. I find comfort in all of this.

But what makes it even more special is that my family is a small part of the picture. The Alaska State Fair celebrates its 90^th birthday this year!

The Western Alaska Fair was first in Anchorage, from 1924 to 1929. The fair went on a pause due to the Depression. In 1935, 203 families moved to the Matanuska Valley north of Anchorage as part of an effort to relocate those who needed a second chance at farming.  The following year, M. D. Snodgrass and the Northland Pioneer Grange No. 1 formed a group to host a four-day fair in September, linked to the opening of the road from Anchorage to Palmer. The highlights included the crowning of the fair queen, a baby show, rodeo and horse races, and of course agriculture entries featuring lots of vegetables.

In 1956, our little fair became the Alaska State Fair, and many exhibits and events have been added over the years. But at its heart, it’s still a small-town fair where the farmers and ranchers are the core of the event. Thanks to them, the garden staff, vendors, and all the others that make this fair happen every year. And happy birthday, Alaska State Fair! I wish you many, many more.

For more history of the Alaska State Fair, check out https://www.alaskastatefair.org/site/fair-info/fair-history/