| Volume 16 Issue 1 |
January 2008 |
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CABIN FEVER RELIEVER CONCERT SERIES
Boogie away those winter blues at the Miller Genuine Draft Cabin Fever Reliever Concert Series at the Alaska State Fair. The 2008 series features Marty Stuart on January 26; BlackHawk on February 16; Billy Dean on March 15; and Heartland on April 5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and all concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in Raven Hall on the fairgrounds. During intermission, there will be fun giveaways hosted by KBEAR FM-104.1. Following each concert, the party continues with dancing to the music of the Ken Peltier Band. |
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All the way from Mississippi, Marty Stuart and his band, The Fabulous Superlatives, bring their signature blend of hard country and fiery bluegrass, mixed with a bit of gospel and served up with a rock edge. The band is led by country music icon and four-time Grammy winner Marty Stuart, who began playing with bluegrass duo Flatt & Scruggs at the age of 13, became a member of Johnny Cash’s band before his 20th birthday, and was invited in 1992 to join the Grand Ole Opry, where he still performs regularly. The group also features Kenny Vaughan (guitar), Harry Stinson (drums/vocals), and Brian Glenn (bass guitar/vocals).
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January 26: Marty Stuart |
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From the release of BlackHawk’s first single, “Goodbye Says It All,” in 1993 to their latest greatest hits album in 2007, this country band has garnered a series of Top 10 hits, received numerous Academy of Country Music and Country Music Awards nominations, debuted on the Grand Ole Opry, toured with the likes of Tim McGraw and Wynonna, and released several gold and platinum albums. Although BlackHawk lost founding member Van Stephenson to cancer in 2001, co-founders Henry Paul (lead vocals/ mandolin) and Dave Robbins (keyboards/ vocals) carry on the band’s tradition of harmony, melody and lyrical integrity.
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| February 16: BlackHawk |
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Country artist Billy Dean makes a return appearance at the Fair during the Cabin Fever Reliever Concert Series. Dean, who is originally from Florida and now makes his home in Nashville, entered the music scene as a contestant on “Star Search” and released his debut album “Young Man” in 1990. He has since sold more than 6 million records, collected a Grammy, and had hits such as “Somewhere in My Broken Heart” and “Let Them Be Little.”
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| March 15: Billy Dean |
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Heartland began as six friends with a musical dream – but the group of Alabama musicians was soon catapulted into country music stardom with their #1 hit “I Loved Her First.” The edgy country rock band, featuring Craig Anderson (rhythm guitar/vocals), Keith West (bass guitar/vocals), Jason Albert (lead vocals/guitar), Charles Crawford (fiddle/guitar/vocals), Todd Anderson (drums) and Mike Myerson (lead guitar) recently released their new single, “Once a Woman Gets a Hold of Your Heart.”
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| April 5: Heartland |
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Kenny Peltier, the front man for "The Ken Peltier Band", Alaska's premier country band which he started in 1996. The band is five piece, and works every weekend year-round. His latest musical release was completed in Nashville in February 2004. It is titled "Educated Man" and is packed with variety. There are only two traditional songs tucked into this CD, one is a classic Waylon tune and the other a duet with country great, Mel McDaniel. Aside from actually performing together in the studio and on the road, one of Kenny's proudest moments was when Mel informed Kenny in the studio it was the first duet he had ever agreed to do.
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| Ken Peltier Band |
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Energy Projects on Horizon at Fair
The Alaska State Fair is already known for its carnival rides and cotton candy, and livestock and large vegetables. Soon, the Fair may also be home to a coal bed gas well and a cogeneration electric plant.
The Fair recently reached an agreement with one company, and is negotiating terms with another, regarding two energy-related projects, a coal bed methane gas well and a natural gas-fired cogeneration plant, which would be located on the fairgrounds.
The Fair already agreed to terms with Fowler Oil and Gas on the development of the coal bed methane gas well, which would be located on one acre of wooded, vacant land in the fairground’s workshop area. Initial project plans call for the drilling of a 1,000-foot deep, cement-encased well. From there, additional wells would be drilled laterally into the coal beds, freeing the embedded gas.
Fair general manager Ray Ritari said that, while an agreement has been reached with the company, the project will not commence until all regulatory permits are granted and the company’s other proposed well, located off Trunk Road, is operating successfully.
The Fair is also in negotiations with Tiqun Energy regarding the development of an 80-megawatt, gas-fired cogeneration plant on five acres of Fair land. The plant would require natural gas to operate, and Ritari said he hopes the coal bed methane gas well would provide adequate energy to operate the plant.
Both projects are poised to offer significant benefits to the Fair, especially in regards to the bottom line. For example, the electric plant would create hot water as a byproduct, and Ritari said this “waste” heat could be used to heat fairground buildings, lowering the Fair’s heating costs.
Ritari also said both projects would generate revenue for the Fair’s much-need capital projects, including the improvement of existing facilities; upgrade of plumbing, sewer and electrical systems; development of better drainage systems; and construction of new security, storage and performing arts areas.
“These projects cannot be funded through gate receipts and vendor fees,” Ritari said. “We anticipate these energy projects will allow us to save money and generate revenue for these important capital projects.”
While the benefits are clear, the Fair is being careful to assess the overall impact of the projects before proceeding.
“We hired independent legal, operational and environmental consultants to evaluate the impact the projects will have on the Fair and our neighbors,” Ritari said. “We learned the impact should be negligible and benefits could be significant. We also expect the regulatory bodies to continue evaluating and scrutinizing both projects.”
The projects are also not expected to interfere with Fair activities or detract from fairgoers’ positive experiences.
“The energy projects will be in wooded areas away from public access and visibility,” Ritari said. “Fairgoers will not notice the projects while attending the Fair.”
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Holiday Festivities at Raven Hall
The Fair elves surpassed themselves this year when they decorated Raven Hall for the holidays. They transformed the large hall into an elegant winter wonderland so it could be used to celebrate the joy of the season. Not only was the annual Alaska State Fair Holiday Ball held there on December 7th, it was also rented to MTA and the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for their holiday parties. If you would like to have your next holiday party in a spacious and beautiful location, contact Jerry Baker at 746-7155 or jerry@alaskastatefair.org and she would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you. |
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Recycling a Huge Success at 2007 Alaska State Fair
The Alaska State Fair would like to thank everyone who supported the recycling effort at the 2007 Fair. Thanks to all of you that threw your recyclables into the appropriate can. We especially want to show our appreciation to the 235 volunteers that snagged and sorted recyclables in the hot sun to make this program a success. Without their hard work and dedication, none of this would be possible.
This was the sixth year of the recycling program. With BP’s generous financial support and Green Star and Valley Community for Recycling Solutions volunteer efforts, we recycled 30.8 TONS of material. That is up more than two tons from last year. All together, a total of 130.5 tons of recyclables have been diverted from the waste stream since the recycling program began in 2002.
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Fair Gardens Receive
National Attention
Most visitors to the Alaska State Fair appreciate the beautiful gardens and colorful flowers that decorate the grounds – but recently, the Fair received some well-deserved national recognition, as well. In August, the makers of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) program Garden SMART visited the Fair to film a 30-minute segment featuring the Fair’s herb, perennial and annual gardens, as well as highlighting the Fair’s famous giant vegetables. |
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The video will preview at a special showing at 6 p.m., February 14 before the Alaska State Fair Annual Board Meeting. |
Fair to Elect Board Members at February 14 Annual Meeting
Seven nominees are vying for the three open seats on the Alaska State Fair board of directors. The election will be held at the Fair’s annual membership meeting on February 14, 2008 at Raven Hall on the fairgrounds.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend, but only Fair members are able to vote.
The nominees, who will serve three-year terms if elected, include:
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John W. Erickson, Jr.
| Occupation: Attorney |
akswedes@mtaonline.net |
Why do you wish to serve on the Board of Directors?
They say that the third time’s a charm. Let’s prove them right! I absolutely love the Alaska State Fair! To that end, it’s my desire to move the Alaska State Fair into the future by building upon that which our pioneer forebears have already established; while at the same time, protecting both the rich history and tradition that makes the Alaska State Fair a family friendly celebration that each of us looks forward to throughout the year. For these purposes, and because I believe that I have much to contribute, I wish to serve on the Board of Directors |
Susan B. Hale
| Occupation: Finance Director-CCS Early Learning |
shale@gci.net |
Why do you wish to serve on the Board of Directors?
We made Palmer our permanent home two years ago when my husband accepted a job at the Tsunami Warning Center. It is my desire to not just live in Palmer, but to be part of Palmer. The first year we were here I went to the fair every day. The first day as a chaperone with my son’s fourth grade class, and I was hooked! This year, my older son worked in two booths, so once again, I was there every day. I became a fair member in July and knew I wanted to be involved with this wonderful event.
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Brendon Knox
| Occupation: DOT Equipment Operator |
bpknox@gci.net |
Why do you wish to serve on the Board of Directors?
I enjoy public service, and believe in the mission of the Alaska State Fair.
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Mari Jo Parks
| Occupation: Career Guidance Specialist |
future@mtaonline.net |
Why do you wish to serve on the Board of Directors?
First and foremost it is fun. Being a part of what happens behind the scenes of the Fair is a privilege. The Alaska State Fair is at a crucial point in its history and I feel my experience on the board will help protect and direct the Fair in the right direction. I have the passion and commitment to help it move forward.
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Bonnie Quill
| Occupation: Executive Director, Mat-Su CVB |
Bonnie@alaskavisit.com |
Why do you wish to serve on the Board of Directors?
As the largest event not only in our community, but statewide, we have a responsibility to entertain and educate a diverse population. I would bring to the board experience in marketing destinations and attractions throughout our state. The fair is growing in popularity and I would like to continue to serve on its board to assure we keep our family values appeal and grow sensibly. I would also like to offer ideas and suggestions to open up the fairgrounds to our community and visitors throughout the year. I represent the segment of people who visit the Alaska State Fair. |
William F. Tull
| Occupation: Attorney |
wftull@mtaonline.net |
Why do you wish to serve on the Board of Directors?
My family and I have watched the Fair grow during the past 40 years from one of an agricultural nature to the present. We initiated the petting zoo at the Fair and garnered many blue and purple ribbons in the livestock and vegetables categories. It is with that background that I seek membership on the Fair Board to promote increased Fair participation in Valley youth interests. The Fair can be more dynamic than it is today. Horse racing at the Fair is still a viable option and a program that will make use of the Fairgrounds and, if properly promoted, weekend four-month use of the Fair facilities.
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CONGRATULATIONS ~ Kirsten Mason, Fair Accounting Manager, and her husband, David, are the parents of a new baby boy, Conner Reed, born November 3, 2007.
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WORLD RECORD
BREAKING KALE
The Alaska State Fair is a designated show site for the Guinness World Records. Rules that apply for the fruit and vegetable category state: “Only fruit and vegetables grown primarily for human consumption will be considered for publication in The Guinness Book of World Records.”
Scott Robb knows all about these rules. On the first day of the 2007 Fair, he set a world’s record with his kale that weighed in at 84.7 pounds. On Wednesday, August 29, 2007, he smashed that short lived record with a kale that weighed an amazing 105.9 pounds and is now the NEW world’s record. |
RODEO MAKES
FRONT PAGE NEWS
Congratulations to the Alaska State Fair Rodeo for making the front page of a national publication. The Cowboy’s Digest, a biweekly publication since 1972, featured the Alaska State Fair Rodeo in its October 31, 2007 edition.
Local cowgirl Callie Willis was pictured presenting the colors. In a special centerfold section, there were articles describing the Rodeo and the tribute that was paid to our local Purple Heart recipients.
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2007 AWARD WINNING
POSTER & BROCHURE
The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) chose the 2007 Alaska State Fair poster designed by Ruth Hulbert, as the winner of their Hall of Honor Communication Award. The Alaska State Fair Brochure also won an award for printed promotional material. Dean Phipps, Fair marketing director, accepted the awards at the annual IAFE convention in November, 2007.
The IAFE began in 1885 with a half dozen fairs. Today, the IAFE represents more than 1,300 fairs around the world and more than 1,300 members from allied fields.
“It is an honor to be acknowledged by an organization that throughout the years has remained true to its purpose of promoting and encouraging the development and improvement of fairs, shows, and expositions,” Phipps said.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS Mat-Su Rabbits & Cavies
Saturday - Jan 26
Colony Theatre
More info: Maria McDaniels
tiberious70@hotmail.com
Marty Stuart in Concert
Saturday - Jan 26
Raven Hall - 7:30 p.m.
AK State Fair Annual Meeting
Thursday - Feb 14
Raven Hall - 6:00 p.m.
BlackHawk in Concert
Saturday - Feb 16
Raven Hall - 7:30 p.m.
Palmer Lions Club Gun Show
Sat & Sun - Mar 1- Mar 2
Raven Hall
More info: Monty Hotchkiss
907-745-3396
Billy Dean in Concert
Saturday - Mar 15
Raven Hall - 7:30 p.m.
Heartland in Concert
Saturday - Apr 5
Raven Hall – 7:30 p.m.
Mat-Su Valley Women’s Show
Friday thru Sun - Apr 11 – Apr 13
Raven Hall
More info: Michael Fisher
907-344-1007
Mat-Su Miners Dinner
Saturday - Apr 26
Raven Hall
More info: Denise Christopher
907-746-4914
D.O.T. – Career Day
Tues & Wed - Apr 29 – Apr 30
Raven Hall
More info: Becky Oliva
907-269-0851
Alaska State Fair, Inc.
2075 Glenn Hwy.
Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: 907-745-4827
Fax: 907-746-2699
E-mail: info@alaskastatefair.org |
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SEE YOU AT THE FAIR! AUGUST 21— SEPTEMBER 1, 2008 |
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