Meet the New Faces at the Alaska State Fair

Fair Staff Assume New Titles & Responsibilities

Associated Alaskan Fairs Hold Annual Meeting at the Alaska State Fairgrounds

Fair Staff Assume New Titles & Responsibilities

A realignment of positions within the current structure of the Alaska State Fair has taken place, resulting in new titles and responsibilities for three Fair employees.

Dean Phipps, Director of Marketing, Development, and Corporate Partnerships, will now be focusing on marketing not only the Fair, but also year round concerts and events. The shift in responsibilities away from events will enable Phipps to focus on the development of additional funding sources for the Fair. He also takes on the task of contributing to Fair souvenir designs.

Suzy Crosby is now the Entertainment Coordinator responsible for lining up the variety of acts we’ve all come to enjoy at the Fair. She’s also busy working on entertainment and events taking place throughout the year at the Fairgrounds such as the recent Cabin Fever Reliever Concert Series.

The Alaska State Fair played host to approximately 30 representatives and interested parties from four Alaskan communities on February 8th for the annual meeting of the Associated Alaskan Fairs.

Participants traveled from Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Anchorage for a day of networking, sharing fair updates, and valuable information gleaned from both the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) convention in Las Vegas, and the Western Fairs Association conference.

An Alaskan Grown lunch awaited attendees at the Red Beet Café and Bakery, compliments of Golden Wheel Amusement.

Participants also heard from two guest speakers who presented timely and helpful information. Mariah Ervin from the Department of Environmental Conservation provided an overview of food safety at Alaska fairs, highlighting how to work with mobile food units and the department to create a win-win situation. Jimmie DeLoretto with Starplex Security was the second speaker, and he emphasized the importance of having an annually updated emergency procedures plan that also included animals and livestock. DeLoretto’s second topic of guest services was especially interesting to participants as he shared some very simple ways that staff can provide that wow! experience that fairgoers will tell their friends about, and keeps them returning year after year.

The day concluded with the business meeting and election of officers for 2008. Serving the Associated Alaskan Fairs for the upcoming year are:

• Pamella Meekin (Alaska State Fair) – President
• Lara McGinnis (Kenai Peninsula State Fair) – Vice President
• Kirsten Mason (Alaska State Fair) Secretary/Treasurer
• Randi Carnahan (Tanana Valley State Fair) Director
• Shirley Schollenberg (Kenai Peninsula State Fair) Director

The Alaska State Fair in Palmer will be hosting the next meeting of the Associated Alaskan Fairs in October 2008. For more information, contact Pamella Meekin at pamella@alaskastatefair.org.

Meet the New Faces at the Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair welcomed several new additions to the staff in February and March.

Margaret Hanson joined the Fair team as the Associate Director of Development and Corporate Sponsorships, where she’ll be responsible for creating new sources of revenue to help fund much-needed projects on the Fairgrounds. She’ll also be working to increase sponsorship opportunities and recruit new partners for year-round rental of fairgrounds and facilities. As a life-long Alaskan, Margaret has been attending the Alaska State Fair for as long as she can remember and has been a member for the past 25 years.  Margaret and her husband of 25 years, Rod, have two children; Kristin and Rick.

Jeanette Gardiner has assumed the Marketing and Development Assistant position, where she’ll be providing all aspects of day-to-day support to the Marketing Department. She joins the Fair with a strong background in administrative support, including years of non-profit experience and business ownership. Originally from upstate New York, Jeanette and her husband of 19 years decided to call Alaska home upon his retirement from the military in 2007.

The Fair also welcomed a very energetic Wanda Geist-Dittman as the Events Specialist to help with the many facets of event coordination. Wanda is no stranger to the Fair, participating on and off since her move to Alaska in 1980. Since then, she’s worked everything from security to playing the piano and performing on stage at the Colony Theatre. Most recently, she produced the Jubilee Gazette and ran the Media Center. She looks forward to producing the traditional events of the Fair and welcomes ideas for new and innovative ones.

Celeste Williams joined the Fair team in March to share the job of Exhibits Supervisor. She’s been attending the Fair for over 25 years, volunteering behind the scenes in different areas. She began helping again last year because she missed being one of the team members that makes the fair a special place for everyone.

Please join us in welcoming Margaret, Jeanette, Wanda, and Celeste!

You may have noticed some tree cutting going on at the Fairgrounds this spring. Grounds manager, Larry Longenecker and his crew are in the process of clearing cottonwood trees that tend to be shallow-rooted and go down easily in wind storms. The trees are being replaced with sturdier species like birch and spruce.

The downed cottonwood is available free of charge to the public. If you’re interested, please contact Larry Longenecker directly at 746-7158 for details and to schedule a time.

Alaska State Fair, Inc. 2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: 907-745-4827 Fax: 907-746-2699 E-mail: info@alaskastatefair.org

2008 Alaska State Fair Exhibits Premium Information Available Online May 1st

New Vision and Mission Adopted

2008 Alaska State Fair Entertainment Line-Up

France Equestrian Center Season Events

Nonprofits Profit at the Fair

New Vision and Mission Adopted

At their October 2007 retreat, the Alaska State Fair Board of Directors created a new vision and mission statement that more accurately captured the essence of the Alaska State Fair. The proposed vision and mission statements were presented at the annual meeting, February 14, 2008, and placed on the Fair’s website. Members were invited to comment on the new statements until March 10th.
The board reviewed all comments, and at their March 11, 2008 meeting, adopted the proposed vision and mission statements as follows.

Vision: Alaska State Fair Inc. provides a center for the Alaskan community to gather in a dynamic and safe atmosphere throughout the year.

Mission: Produce a traditional State Fair which educates and entertains Fairgoers; Provide stable finances through good business practices, statewide outreach, partnerships and hosting a variety of community, cultural, and business events.

2008 Alaska State Fair Entertainment Line-Up

Who’s coming to the 2008 Alaska State Fair? Stay tuned…we’ll be making an announcement mid-May of our complete entertainment line-up, which is shaping up to be one of the most diverse in Fair history.

Want to get your tickets before the general public? Become an Alaska State Fair member!

Membership entitles you to pre-order concert and other event tickets before they go on sale to the general public. To become a member, simply complete the membership application and mail to the Alaska State Fair office with the applicable dues.

2008 Alaska State Fair Exhibits Premium Information Available Online May 1st

Our Exhibits Superintendents are working diligently putting together the 2008 Exhibits Premium and plan to make that available online through our website: www.alaskastatefair.org
May 1st.
Sponsorships are still available for several categories, including:

• Livestock
• Canning
• Fiber & Fleece
• Honey & Beekeeping
• Art
• Photography
• Clay Arts
• Handwork & Needlework
• Rabbits
• Baked Goods
• Sewing

If you’re interested in sponsoring one or more of the above exhibits, please visit our sponsorship page or contact Margaret Hanson or Kristi Holta

Nonprofits Profit at the Fair
Organizations Share Efforts and Successes

When you think of the Alaska State Fair, what comes to mind? Food? Carnival rides? Vendors? Exhibits? Farm animals? Entertainment? Giant vegetables? What about nonprofits?

While it may not be the first thing fairgoers think of, nonprofit organizations are an integral part of the Fair. Each year, dozens of organizations come to the Fair to educate fairgoers about issues or services, to fundraise, to recruit members or volunteers, or for a myriad of other reasons.

Last year alone, more than 70 nonprofits participated in the Fair, representing organizations such as the Blood Bank of Alaska, HeartReach Pregnancy Center, Life Alaska Donor Services, and the Outdoor Heritage Foundation. Each of these organizations recently shared their efforts and successes at the Fair, and this month we highlight the Blood Bank of Alaska and the Outdoor Heritage Foundation.

Blood Bank of Alaska
Founded in 1962, the Blood Bank of Alaska’s primary purpose is to supply blood for sick and injured Alaskans. Currently, the Blood Bank serves more than 24 Alaska hospitals, spanning more than a half-million square miles. This year, demand for blood is estimated at 25,000 units – which will be provided entirely by volunteer donors throughout the state.

Since 2001, the Blood Bank has held annual blood drives at the Fair. Last year, their mobile collection unit, the “LIFEmobile,” drew 570 donors.

“Our Alaska State Fair Blood Drive is one of the most successful blood drives,” said Jessica Golden, public relations manager at the Blood Bank of Alaska. “Regular donors know to look for us there, and new donors are given a terrific introduction to Blood Bank of Alaska.”

In addition to collecting blood at the Fair, the Blood Bank also seeks to raise awareness of blood donation and usage.

“The Fair offers a demographically varied blend of Alaskans from all across the state,” Golden said. “The better we can educate all Alaskans about blood donation, the more likely they are to become, and stay, blood donors.”

Golden said the Blood Bank will be present at the 2008 Fair to collect blood, raise awareness, and hand out the popular “Starve a Mosquito” t-shirts to blood donors.

“Come register to donate and get your free t-shirt!” she said.

Outdoor Heritage Foundation
For the past 10 years, the Outdoor Heritage Foundation (formerly part of the Alaska Outdoor Council) has educated Alaskans about its mission and augmented its fundraising efforts through a booth at the Fair.

The mission of the Outdoor Heritage Foundation, which provides conservation and outdoor education programs in partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, is to perpetuate the North American Model of Conservation through education, ensuring the future of hunting, fishing and trapping through sound, scientific management of natural resources.

“The Fair provides an important venue to contact a greater number of people,” said Eddie Grasser, president of the Outdoor Heritage Foundation. “Our presence at the Fair has enhanced our presence in the community. We have educated a large portion of the public about the importance of hunting and angling in relation to wildlife management, as well as increasing interest in these ancient human pursuits.”

The Outdoor Heritage Foundation, which shares a booth with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, will be present at the 2008 Fair.

Greetings Everyone,

Welcome to Alaska State Fair Newsletter! Everyone here is getting into the "Fair mode" and with all the new changes going on this year, we’ve put together this second newsletter issue to keep you updated. For further information or to subscribe, visit us at www.alaskastatefair.org

Featured Articles
Cabin Fever Reliever Concert Series Wraps Up April 5th || Farm Family of the Year Nominations Now Being Accepted || Fair Garden and Art Festival Features Gardening Guru Ciscoe Morris || State Support Sought for Farm Exhibits Building

Cabin Fever Reliever Concert Series Wraps Up April 5th

Soon after, their debut album rose to #3 on the Billboard Country chart and #11 on the Billboard Top 200 all-genres chart.  Since then, the edgy country rock band has continued to build their fan base, headlining their own shows and performing with stars including Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry and Blake Shelton.

Tickets for this 21 and over concert are $45 for reserved front-section seating, $35 for mid-section seats, or $30 for table seating at the rear. Buy early and save – purchase tickets by the Sunday prior to each concert and save $5 on each ticket. Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com, at alaskastatefair.com, at Fred Meyer stores, by calling 907.562.4800, or at the door the evening of the concert. Convenience fees apply.

For more information and music samples, please visit www.alaskastatefair.org, or call the Alaska State Fair at 907.745.4827.

Farm Family of the Year Nominations Now Being Accepted

Nomination Deadline June 13, 2008
Alaska still serves as home to many farmers who daily work the soil and fields to ensure Alaskans have fresh products in the retail stores and hardy plants in the nurseries.  The Alaska State Fair and the agricultural community want to applaud the efforts of these farmers by honoring one family that epitomizes the spirit of Alaska farming.

The Fair needs the public’s help in nominating friends and neighbors for the 9th Annual Farm Family of the Year.  The Alaska State Fair established the award in 2000 to honor an Alaska farming family and show appreciation for all the hardworking Alaskans committed to agriculture and aquaculture in the state.

The 2007 recipients were the Peterson family of the Insanity Acres Farm of Delta Junction.  The three generation farm included: Bob & Brenda, their son Randy & his wife Becky along with their children Kasey, Dustin & Kraig.  Established in 1997, the farm raises oats and barley for grain, seed grasses, hay and potatoes.  Their straw bales are popular with dog mushers (as bedding for sled dogs) and meet the certification requirements of the Yukon Quest.

The Farm Family selection committee will accept nominations and select a family, using the following criteria:

1. Production of quality Alaska Grown Product (not based on quantity);
   
2. Community involvement (civic organizations, school, sports, church);
3. Agricultural industry organizations (local, state and federal, etc.) and
4. Overall farm family image, farming history, and unique or special production.

The selection committee is comprised of members from the Farm Services Agency, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the University of Alaska Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, the state Division of Agriculture, and the Cooperative Extension Service.

The award, sponsored by the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, will be presented at the Fair on Opening Day, August 21, 2008.

Nominations should offer details about the family and how the family members fulfill the criteria. The written descriptions should be mailed to: Farm Family, Amy Pettit, Division of Agriculture, 1800 Glenn Hwy. Ste 12, Palmer, Alaska 99645 or faxed to (907) 761-3864.  Nominations may also be emailed to Amy Pettit at Amy.Pettit@alaska.gov. The deadline for receipt at the Division of Agriculture office is June 13, 2008

State Support Sought for Farm Exhibits Building

Many of you are very familiar with this building as it houses all of the 4H exhibits, livestock shows, farm demonstrations, and most notably, the giant vegetable contests during the Fair, as well as a host of other interim uses the remainder of the year. With state support, the Fair would be able to continue hosting these important community groups and events.

We’ve been notified that $1 million is being included in this year’s legislative Capital Budget for this project, and we encourage all Alaska State Fair members and fellow Alaskans to join us in our efforts seeking state support. Send your letters of support to the Governor’s Office at Governor@gov.state.ak.us or by mail:

Governor Sarah Palin · Third Floor Sate Capitol · PO Box 110001 · Juneau AK 99811-0001

Letters of support and appreciation for Senator Lyda Green’s efforts to include the Farm Exhibits building in the Capital Budget may be sent to her office at Sen.Lyda.Green@legis.sate.ak.us or by mail:

Senate President, Senator Lyda Green · State Capitol, Room 111 · Juneau, AK  99801-1182

Spring is in the air at the Alaska State Fair, where organizers are already hard at work planning the fourth annual Alaska Garden and Art Festival. This year’s festival, sponsored by Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union, takes place at the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 19 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person; youth ages 12 and under are free.

The 2008 festival features many of the popular events and activities from years’ past, including hands-on workshops and demonstrations, food, entertainment and garden-related vendors. Festival organizers will be selecting vendors shortly. Anyone interested in being selected may contact gardenfestival@alaskastatefair.org.

The festival also features a line-up of expert presenters, including keynote speaker Ciscoe Morris. Morris, a Seattle-based gardening guru with a special affinity for brussel sprouts, is originally from Wisconsin, where he began his career as the church lawn boy at the age of 10. He visited Seattle in the early 1970s, liked it and stayed.

After 24 years as the grounds manager at Seattle University, Morris now focuses his efforts on his entertaining and informative weekly radio show, “Gardening with Ciscoe,” as well as his gardening segment on Seattle’s KING 5 TV.
The certified arborist and long-time King County master gardener also gives frequent garden talks; teaches at Seattle University, Edmonds Community College, University of Washington, and the Center for Urban Horticulture; and has written numerous articles, as well as a book titled “Ask Ciscoe.”

“Ciscoe is very well-known, very enthusiastic and animated, and good with people,” said Ray Ritari, Fair general manager. “Anyone interested in gardening should not miss the opportunity to hear him speak at the festival.”

For more information on the festival, visit www.alaskastatefair.org or contact Sarah Cimino, festival coordinator, at gardenfestival@alaskastatefair.org. Additional information on keynote speaker Ciscoe Morris may be found at www.ciscoe.com.

France Equestrian Center Season Events

The France Equestrian Center on the Alaska State Fairgrounds is the place for the Alaskan horse community to be this spring and summer! Coordinator Cherrie Ruesch has been busy planning several events to help further equestrian education. Whether you’re a horse owner, competitor, rider, spectator, or just love horses, the FEC has a great variety of events this spring and summer to enjoy.

There are several Nothin’ But Fun Schooling Shows planned, with the first happening May 31 – June 1, 2008. The second session is planned for July 19 – 20, and the third will take place August 21 – 22. These schooling shows offer both English and Western courses. English courses will include hunter, jumper, equitation, halter classes, showmanship, dressage, and trail. Western courses will include western pleasure horse, halter, showmanship, stock seat, reining, and trail.

An exciting new event to Alaska is polocrosse, and the FEC will be hosting Wayne Cooper from Seattle to present a clinic on this event the first part of August (actual date to be announced). The modern game of polocrosse took shape in Australia in the 1930's, and is a combination of two sports – lacrosse and polo – played on horseback. Participants will learn the ins and outs of the sport, and will have an opportunity to play in a polocrosse match that will take place during the 2008 Fair.

International instructor Clive Jones, who hails from England, will be teaching an International Mounted Games clinic during the summer, tentatively scheduled for July 22 – 29. Take what you learn from the clinic and participate in the Mounted Games tournament during the 2008 Fair! Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Open riding sessions will be held beginning in May, tentatively scheduled Thursday through Monday from 2 – 8 pm. Local clinicians will be on hand to teach skills in different disciplines. When the facility is being rented by other groups, riders can use practice arena.

For a complete list of planned events at the FEC this spring, summer, and during the 2008 Alaska State Fair, log onto our website.

In addition to planning a wide variety of events for the FEC, Cherrie also recently attended training for Jumper and Hunter Course Designers in California. The certification qualifications for Jumper and Hunter Course Designers take two years to complete, and after attending these trainings in California, Cherrie is half-way through process.

The trainings in California gave Cherrie the opportunity to learn from such world renowned individuals as David Ballard, an FEI O-rated course designer. She was very fortunate to work in the Grand Prix and FEI World Cup rings with an instructor of David’s caliber. She also learned under the tutelage of John Manning, USEF Hunter Course Designer and was responsible for five rings, moving at a steady pace. Spare time was spent working with Evie Frisque, a well-known Hunter/Jumper judge who’s becoming widely known for her design of indoor courses, building beautiful flower arrangements for islands and jumps, painting walls for the rings, and of course, repairing jumps.

The entire training experience taught Cherrie to take a fresh look at a Hunter and Jumper Ring as she learned to appreciate the technical questions asked of horse and rider even more. The training also helped her understand more deeply the skill and art of finding the answers to the questions the course designer proposes.

For more information about events at the France Equestrian Center on the Alaska State Fairgrounds, contact Cherrie Ruesch, cherrie@alaskastatefair.org or 746-7160