Alaska State Fair
More than 300,000 people flock to the Palmer, Alaska at the end of each summer for The Alaska State Fair, held in Late August and early September.
Lush flower gardens, record-setting giant vegetables, endless food and entertainment - the Alaska State Fair is for all ages. Look at farm exhibits, try your luck at carnival games, cheer at the rodeo or catch a show.
Nestled in the heart of the Chugach Mountains, in the fertile Matanuska-Susitna Valley the Alaska State Fairgrounds are just an hour north of Anchorage. Each fall, the Fair provides a setting for Alaska’s last blast of summer, a showcase of Alaska’s uniqueness and beauty.
Head out to Palmer for the Alaska State Fair weekdays, Noon-10 p.m. and weekends and Labor Day, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
History
In 1935 a farming colony was established in the Mat-Su Valley, with the intent of opening up Alaska, providing food to the military in case of war, and to give families on relief a new start. Two hundred and three families were selected from Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. They arrived in the Valley in May 1935. Four years later, 40 percent of the original colonists still remained.
Throughout the next year the colonists constructed their homes, cleared fields and built a community. By July 1936, they were ready for a celebration. The Matanuska Valley Fair Association was formed and they decided to hold a four-day Fair September 4 through September 7.
The giant cabbage contest tradition began in 1941, when Colonel Ohlson, Manager of the Alaska Railroad, offered $25 for the largest cabbage. Max Sherrod of the Valley took the prize with a 23 pounder. In 2000, Barb Everingham set the current record for the largest cabbage, with her 105.6 pounder. find out more about Alaska's Monster Veggies >>
The Fair now boasts more than 10,000 exhibits, but hasn’t changed that much since 1936. Visitors do enjoy a wider range of events, such as big name entertainers, but the heart of the Fair still centers on the things the original colonists started with – agriculture, lots of food, friends and family, and an old-fashioned, good time.
2008 Train Transportation from Anchorage >>
The Mat-su Transit Company offers daily transportation from the Anchorage Transit Center. (907) 376-5000. Visit the Alaska State Fair Web site for a complete schedule.
More Information
Call the Alaska State Fair at (907) 745-4827 or visit www.alaskastatefair.org.
