The Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair was named one of the best events (Top 100) in North America (U.S. and Canada) by the American Bus Assoication in 2008.  The Anchorage Daily News has published some special interest stories about the Alaska State Fair.  So, I thought I would give you a little history about its orgins and growth.

The Alaska State Fair traces its roots to 1936, when the farming colonists in the Matanuska Valley decided to celebrate their accomplishments in establishing a successful community in the valley.  The fair has been an annual tradition, except for the years 1942-1946 due to World War II.  The Matanuska Valley Fair Association was formed in July of 1936.  As it happened, the Knik River Bridge, which linked the valley to Anchorage, opened about the same time.  The opening of the bridge and the existing railroad make it possible for residents throughout the Alaska Territory to come together.

The first fair was a four day event starting on September 4.  Among the events at the first fair were baseball games, a horse race, boxing matches, a baby contest and, of course, a Fair Queen.  Because the fair was a celebration of success, there were hundreds of agricultural entries, including giant cabbages.  The traditional giant cabbage competition of today actually began in 1941, when Max Sherrod won the $25 prize for his 23 pound cabbage.

Much has changed and much has been added to the events and exhibits of Alaska's State Fair, but the fair has remained a time to celebrate the success of our endeavors. S o "Get Up, Get Happy" and visit the Alaska State Fair.  See you there!

Alaska State Fair Maps and Directions
Alaska State Fair Schedule

Alaska State Fair Highlights Timeline:

1936 - The first Matanuska Valley Fair.
1938 - Permanent fairgrounds are acquired.  The Palmer Pioneer Home now resides at the former fair site.
1941 - Fairgrounds acquired an additional 14 acres.
1941 - Giant Cabbage Contest is established.
1947 - 160 Exhibits
1948 - 205 exhibits
1950 - Carnival rides are added to the fair's attractions.
1951 - An air show is added to the fair's attractions.
1956 - The Fair Board petitions to make the fair the official Alaska State Fair.
1960 - 25th Anniversay attended by John F. Kennedy.
1967 - Fairgrounds acquires its present day location.
1975 - The Colony Village is established.
1997 - Pioneer Plaza and Raven Hall are completed.
1998 - The fair sets its largest attendance record: 361,804 in 18 days.
1998 - The fair set the record for the most exhibit entries: 10,890.
2000 - Fair buries time capsule to be opened in 2036.
2000 - The largest cabbage in the fair's history at 105.6 pounds (grown by Barb Everingham).
2001 - Fairgrounds acquires additional 40 acres, including the Rebarchek gravel pit.
2002 - Fairgrounds acquires the Rebarchek farmhouse along with another five acres of land.
2003 - The fair acquires the Hamilton farmhouse and an addition of 40 acres of land in exchange for the Rebarchek gravel pit.
2004 - The fair opens the Green Gate and Railroad Depot.
2007 - The fair acquires title to the Don Sheldon Events Center.
2007 - PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) features the fair's colorful flower and herb gardens, as well as the giant vegetables grown in Alaska.
2008 - The state of Alaska and the Alaska State Fair celebrate 50 years of statehood.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate resource