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Alaska’s Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin
Weigh-OffTuesday, August 28 • Noon
Farm Exhibits
Ever wondered what a 1,287-pound pumpkin looks like? That’s what last year’s winner weighed in at. Don’t miss this year’s results!
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Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union Presents
Wineck Barn
Daily • 12 & 5 PM (except Sunday, Sept. 2) Documentary film of the New Deal pioneers.
Air National Guard presents
Pioneer Plaza
Daily • 2, 4 & 6 PM
You’ll see acrobatics and comedy like you’ve never seen before, including a wild mix of flatland and aerial bicycle skills, low wire balancing, and the German Wheel. There’s even a chance for some audience participation in a comedy boxing routine. Bring the family to this action-packed performance.
Colony History GardenWineck Barn
Saturday, August 25 • 11 AM
Students and teachers share what they learned through the planting and harvesting of a history garden featuring only plants that were farmed by the original Matanuska colonists in 1935.
“Colony Kids” Author EventWineck Barn
Sunday, August 26 • 11 AM
Matanuska Valley author Heather Lehe will read from her novel, “Colony Kids,” which tells the story of the Matanuska colonists’ first summer in Alaska through the eyes of the children.
EQUI-MAZING Trick RidersRAM Truck Yellow Gate Lawn
Daily • 2, 4 & 6 PM
Presented by the Rockin’ B Riding Club, making its debut at the Fair
this year is Equi-mazing, a multifaceted equine entertainment show featuring specially trained and costumed local riders and horses. Get ready for high-speed western vaulting and stunt riding, roman riding, western drill and dressage quadrille, bareback and bridle-less liberty riding, surcingle, vaulting, trick roping and bull whip cracking.
Equi-mazing was created with the help of professional equine entertainers from the lower 48 who have performed in the likes of Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions, Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show, and pro rodeos across the U.S.
Purple Plaza
Weekends & Labor Day • 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, and 6:30 PM
UAA’s Flight Crew takes “higher education” seriously. Formation of the club was inspired by a collaborative performance directed by the Aerial Angels of Kalamazoo, MI and produced by UAA Theatre. While some of the folks have run off and joined the circus, several others are finishing their degrees and taking performance to new heights right here in Alaska.
17th Annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-OffFriday, August 31 • 7 PM
Farm Exhibits
Will this be the year an Alaska grower breaks another world record? Be there to find out! Get growin’ for over $4,000 in cash prizes
1st Place $2,000 | 2nd Place $1,000 | 3rd Place $500
XTRATUF presents
Purple Trail
Daily • 1, 3, 5 & 7:30 PM
King BMX Stunt Show performers have competed at the X Games, Gravity Games and Dew Action Sports Tour and have been featured on America’s Got Talent, Fox Sports and Monday Night Football.
“Matanuska Colony Barns” Author EventWineck Barn
Saturday, September 1 • 1:30 & 4:30 PM
Author and photographer Helen Hegener will talk about her upcoming book, “Matanuska Colony Barns.” Exhibits telling the story of the Matanuska Colony will also be on display in the Wineck Barn throughout the Fair.
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center present
Monday – Thursday • noon – 10pm | Friday – Sunday • 10am – 10pm
Our Body: Live Healthy is a world-class exhibit that explores the wonder of the human body. An educational display consisting of actual human bodies and organs, this compelling exhibit “goes under the skin” revealing the mysteries of human anatomy and illustrating the importance of taking care of our own bodies. (We recommend this exhibit for fairgoers ages 12 & over.)
AutoZone presents
GCI Cable Bluebonnet Stage
Daily • 12:30, 3 & 6:30 PM
Paul Isaak is seriously funny. Paul’s show will send you on a comedy roller coaster ride, with stunts such as juggling flaming torches, and shaving with a flying machete.
Penelope the ClownIn and around the KidZone! Daily
Penelope the Clown will bring laughter, smiles, and fun to the Kid Zone and around the grounds with juggling, magic,and fantastic balloon sculptures.
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Fred Meyer Presents
Kendall Toyota of Anchorage Grandstand Lawn
Daily • 1, 3 & 5 PM
Pirates for Hire is a live-action, award-winning pirate-themed troupe specializing in action/comedy performances with cutlass fighting, pistol firing, and breakaway bottles.
Powerhouse!!!Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage
Daily • 2, 4 & 7 PM
Percussive Dance, directed by Brian Bon, combines brilliantly innovative tap, precision clogging, and explosive stomp to bring you an electrifying dance experience.
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Spenard Builder’s Supply presents
SBS Woodlot
Daily • 1, 3 & 6 PM
An entertaining show featuring World Champion Lumberjacks you’ve seen on the ESPN Great Outdoor Games…a unique blend of sport, education, history and comedy.
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Horizon Lines of Alaska presents
Pebble Corral
Monday – Thursday, August 27 – 30 • 1:30, 3:30 & 5:30 PM
The Canine Stars are the top canine athletes in the country, pushing the limits in freestyle flying disc, high jump, speed weaving, and other extreme sports and stunts.
RodeoSaturday & Sunday, August 25 & 26 • 2 PM
Just inside the RAM Truck Yellow Gate At the France Equestrian Center
This original Alaska State Fair competition is the biggest and best rodeo in the state, with some of the finest talent competing in bull riding, double mugging, bareback riding, barrel racing and other top rodeo events. This year’s event also features local trick riders, plus award-winning pro rodeo announcer Ted Dwyer and the world’s smallest barrelman and pro rodeo clown! Let’s rodeo, Alaska!
Adult/senior $12, youth $7
Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union Presents
Wineck Barn
Daily • 2 PM (except Sunday, Sept. 2) Stories of Alaska Pioneers, which features extended interviews with many of the original Matanuska colonists, their children who grew up in the colony, and others who worked on this extraordinary New Deal project.
Nokie EdwardsSaturday, September 1 • 4:30 PM
Hawaii 5-0.” “Wipe Out.” “Pipeline.” “Walk Don’t Run.” You know the songs, but do you know the man behind the music? Nokie Edwards, former lead guitarist of The Ventures, is one of the world’s premier guitar players.
Also appearing :
Heineken Stage at the Woodlot Sunday, September 2 • 4 PM.
Hobo JimSaturday and Monday, September 1 & 3 • 8:30 pm
Sunday, September 2 • 6:30 PM PM
His songs about his wilderness lifestyle, written over four decades of working in Alaska as a commercial fisherman, logger, and cowboy, have endeared him to audiences.
Also appearing:
Heineken Stage at the Woodlot 4 PM Weekdays.
Tom Rigney & FlambeauThursday – Saturday,
August 23 – 25 • 8:30 pm
Tom Rigney, the fiery, electrifying violinist/composer, joins forces with some of the finest musicians on the San Francisco roots music scene to form Tom Rigney and Flambeau, a band that generates enough heat and energy to ignite a dance floor or lift an audience to its feet.
Ken PeltierSunday, September 2 • 9:30 pm
Ken Peltier and the “The Ken Peltier Band” are Alaska’s premier country band. Their deep country roots are obvious, but the band’s versatility extends to classic rock and blues as well.
Thursday, August 30 • 5 pm and Saturday, September 1 • 3 pm
Known as “Alaska’s Platinum Voice”, Ms. LuLu Small has been a successful and popular Entertainer throughout the Last Frontier, as well as internationally for over 3 decades. Catch LuLu & Her BAND “LTM” (featuring Trish Ham & Marilyn Clement).
Also appearing solo at the Jolly Roger Pub:
Monday, August 27 • 7 PM and Thursday, August 30 • 3 PM
Friday, August 31 • 7:30 pm
The greatest band in the world. Possibly, EVER! This sardonic honky-tonk/bluegrass band, based out of Austin, Texas but known internationally for their viral YouTube video series, “Guy On A Buffalo,” consistently wins over audiences by playing memorable originals as well as mashed-up versions of urban cult-classics and girlie-pop favorites.
Kari and BillySaturday, August 25 • 3 pm
Monday, August 27 • 3:30 pm
From successful solo careers Kari and Billy weave their unique talents together to create a truly special duo. Kari played fiddle for several years with Big & Rich, and appears in videos including Big & Rich’s “Fake I.D.”, John Rich’s, “Country Done Come To Town”, and Brady Seals’ “Been There Drunk That.” Billy has played shows with Craig Morgan, Tracy Byrd, Mark Wills, Aaron Tippin, and more. The duo’s new CD entitled “Whole Lotta Love” is a self-produced collection of 16 original songs.
Gary SloanFriday, August 31 • 6 pm
Playing music for Alaskans since 1965, his original music and blues harp performances are legendary.
John Tracy & Chill FactorThursday, August 30 • 9 pm
Out of retirement just for us! It’s no news that Chill Factor with special guest John Tracy is Alaska’s top party band for Alaska’s biggest 12-day party.
Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman presents
Saturday, August 25 • 9 – 12 PM
Alaska Glacier Products Borealis Tent
Rodeo Dance featuring the Ken Peltier Band. Alaska’s best Country. Come join us for a swingin’ good time. Ages 21 and over, $5.00 cover charge.
Kendall Toyota of Anchorage Grandstand Lawn, next to the Pirates for Hire of course!
Open Daily. Join the Pirates for Ale and live music daily.
Across from the Carnival Midway. Open Daily
The only thing better than sunshine at the Fair, is having a beer in the sunshine at the Fair. While the kids are on the rides, sit down, relax and enjoy a brew in the sun at the Oasis.
Located near the red gate
Open daily with a fine selection of wine, light fare, and great atmosphere, the Art House Wine Bar gets grand champion at the State Fair.
Hobo JimSaturday and Monday, September 1 & 3 • 8:30 pm
Sunday, September 2 • 6:30 PM PM
Hobo Jim’s many songs about his wilderness lifestyle, written over three decades of working in Alaska as a commercial fisherman, logger, and cowboy, have endeared him to audiences around the state and beyond.
Also appearing at:
Heineken Stage at the Woodlot • 4 PM Weekdays
Thursday, August 30 • 5 pm and Saturday, September 1 • 3 pm
Known as “Alaska’s Platinum Voice”, Ms. LuLu Small has been a successful and popular Entertainer throughout the Last Frontier, as well as internationally for over 3 decades. Catch LuLu & Her BAND “LTM” (featuring Trish Ham & Marilyn Clement).
Also appearing solo at the Jolly Roger Pub:
Monday, August 27 • 7 PM and Thursday, August 30 • 3 PM
Hell’s BellesHeineken Stage at the Woodlot
Friday & Saturday, August 31 & September 1, 7 PM
HELL’S BELLES is a World-famous, all-female AC/DC tribute band comprised of five committed, ferocious, and meticulous women rock musicians who strive to deliver the best of AC/DC with mechanical precision and passionate fury. Endorsed by Angus Young himself, HELL’S BELLES are the closest one can get without actually moving to Australia and joining AC/DC’s road crew. Let there be rock!
Marrakesh ExpressHeineken Stage at the Woodlot
Friday & Saturday, August 24 & 25, 7 PM
Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young was one of the most enduring and influential musical groups of all time, releasing hit after hit through the 60’s and 70’s. Marrakesh Express pays tribute to CSNY, with their vivid and realistic performance of CSNY’s most recognizable and important songs, authentically reproducing their cascading, layered harmonies, memorable guitar lines, and lyrics that spoke for a generation.
The Sluicebox
September 1 • 4:30 PM
Hawaii 5-0.” “Wipe Out.” “Pipeline.” “Walk Don’t Run.” You know the songs, but do you know the man behind the music? Nokie Edwards, former lead guitarist of The Ventures, is one of the world’s premier guitar players.
Also appearing at:
Heineken Stage at the Woodlot Sunday, September 2 • 4 PM.
The Gothard SistersAlyeska Pipeline Colony Stage
Monday – Friday, August 27 – 31 • 1:30, 3:30 & 6:30 PM
The Gothard Sisters are all under the age of 25 and have quickly risen to the ranks of professional Celtic musical recognition with their unique arrangements of traditional Celtic songs.
Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage • Thursday, August 23 • 8 PM
Heineken Stage at the Woodlot • Sunday, Monday & Tuesday, August 26-28 • 7 PM
From Miramar, California the Marine Corps Band will present a very special evening of musical entertainment at the Alaska State Fair. The Band promises an exciting, versatile concert that the entire family will enjoy. The program will be selected from the Band’s extensive repertoire, to include familiar marches, traditional classics, patriotic favorites, jazz, country, and popular contemporary music.
Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage • Thursday, August 30 • 8 PM
Top Cover is the popular music ensemble of The Band of the Pacific. This high-energy group performs the full spectrum of popular music including classic rock ‘n roll, country, jazz fusion, and today’s top 40 hits. Formed in 1990, Top Cover has entertained audiences throughout Alaska, Hawaii, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Yukon and British Columbia.
Daily • 12- 8 PM
Hens and roosters in a barn yard setting.
Daily • Opening – 8 PM
The ever-popular Children’s Garden is a staple in our KidZone! This year’s garden features a desert theme and a dragon named Victor who travels around the world sharing his adventures with kids.
GCI Petting ZooFarm Exhibits Building
Daily • Noon – 8 PM
Get out the camera and make some memories with these adorable pint-sized critters.
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Thursday & Friday, August 23 and 24 • Noon
Farm Exhibit Building
Ever wanted to wrangle a goat? Here’s your chance. Fun goat demonstration and activities open to the public. Don’t miss the Alaska Giant Vegetable Weigh-Offs in the Farm Exhibits building!
Penelope the ClownIn and around the Kid Zone! Daily
Penelope the Clown will bring laughter, smiles, and fun to the Kid Zone and around the grounds with juggling, magic,and fantastic balloon sculptures.
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Woody’s Menagerie Kid ZoneDaily• 1, 4 & 6 PM
Woody’s Educational Wildlife show will amaze you with animals from all around the world, from a baby lion and baby bear cub to kinkajous, coatimundis, and a fennec fox (the smallest fox species in the world).
Donlin Gold, LLC Presents
Celebrating Alaska’s Native Cultures
Once again, the Alaska State Fair will host the Raven’s People program to share and celebrate Alaska’s Native cultures with fairgoers through performances, crafts and film.
Experience the strength and agility of some of Alaska’s best athletes at the Native Youth Olympics demonstrations, including the ever-popular blanket toss. Marvel at the talent and meet the artists at the Alaska Native arts and crafts program, with Native artists exhibiting daily.
Glimpse the richness, humor and history of Alaska’s Native peoples through performances of the highly acclaimed Raven’s Radio Hour as well as several traditional and contemporary Alaska Native dance groups. Featured dance groups this year include the Barrow Traditional Dancers, Inupiat Eskimo drummers and dancers from Alaska’s farthest north city, as well as the Hooper Bay Traditional Dancers, Yup’ik performers from southwest Alaska who have earned the distinction as one of Alaska’s oldest and most popular dance groups.
Wrap up your Raven’s People experience by viewing one of the featured documentaries airing in the Alaska through Film series.
Whether you can spend an hour or an entire day, we invite you to enjoy the diversity of Alaska’s Native cultures through our Raven’s People program
Alaska Native Fashion GalaAlyeska Pipeline Colony Stage
Sunday, September 2 • 1 PM
As part of our mission to bring Alaskans together in the spirit of good will and sharing, the Alaska State Fair will host this unique fashion show. It will provide an opportunity to display the art, innovation and craftsmanship of both traditional and contemporary Alaska Native clothing.
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Barrow Traditional DancersDonlin Gold Raven’s People Area
Wednesday – Monday, August 29 – September 3 • 3:30 PM
Wednesday – Friday, August 29 – August 31 • 2 & 5:30 PM
Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage
Saturday – Monday, September 1 – 3 • 2:30 PM
Featured dance groups this year include the Barrow Traditional Dancers, Inupiat Eskimos from Barrow – Alaska’s farthest north city. The Barrow-based performers provide a powerful and magnetic drumming and singing presence that will draw Alaskans and visitors alike.
Hooper Bay DancersDonlin Gold Raven’s People area
Friday – Thursday,August 24 – 28 • 3:30 & 5:30 PM
Alyeska PipelineColony Stage
Monday & Tuesday, August 27 & 28 • 1 PM
Also featured this year are the Hooper Bay Traditional Dancers. This Yup’ik dance group from southwest Alaska is one of Alaska’s oldest and most popular groups. They entertain with humor and enthusiasm and have been featured during the annual Quyana Night dance celebrations at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention.
KTUUChannel 2 presents
Donlin Gold Raven’s People Area
Saturday & Monday September 1 & 3 • 5 PM
Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage
Sunday, September 2 • 5 PM
A professional storyteller, actor, writer and teacher, Jack has been honored by the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education as a Distinguished Dignitary. “Raven’s Radio Hour” will be featured at the 2012 Alaska State Fair as part of “Raven’s People: Celebrating Alaska Native Cultures” program.
Kodiak Island DrummersAlyeska Pipeline Colony Stage
Saturday – Monday, September 1 – 3 • 3 PM
Donlin Gold Raven’s People Area
Saturday & Sunday, September 1 & 2 • 7 PM
Feel the beat of the island — Kodiak Island, that is. These youthful high-energy percussionists will sweep you along on a tide of rhythms, blending traditional sounds with Afro and Latin funk.
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO)Pebble Corral
Sunday, September 2 • 10 AM – 6 PM
This competition began in 1972. It provides insight into cultural heritage and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Students in grades 7-12 participate, and this event has grown to more than 69 schools represented.
Amateur & Youth SupercrossFriday, August 24 • 6 PM
Adult/ Senior $5, Youth FREE
We have listened to our younger, novice and women riders and you want your own night to shine… Here it is! We will be opening the Grandstand motorsports season with 50′s, 65′s, 85′s, super-mini, novice, women and quads! Afterwards sit back and enjoy the best seats in the house for the Alaska State Fair’s annual fireworks show at 10 PM.
Sign up for this event at aksupercross.com
Miller Genuine Draft presents
Saturday, August 25 • 6 PM
Adult/ Senior $20, Youth $10
Come see Alaska’s fastest Supercross riders face off once again for bragging rights as Alaska’s fastest rider. This is the same great event you know and love from the Sullivan Arena only bigger, better and more extreme. Relocating this event to the Alaska State Fair provides an opportunity bring you more high-flying, bar-banging action from Alaska’s best racers on a full size Supercross track with no limits. This means a bigger track, bigger jumps and bigger action for you!
Sign up for this event at aksupercross.com
Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union presents
Sunday, August 26 • 4 PM
Adult/ Senior $12, Youth $7
Last year we introduced Alaska to door-to-door Stadium Truck (formerly Tuff Truck) racing and you loved it, so we are bringing it to you again in 2012! Once again we will be racing both stock and modifieds in separate main events. All the participants think their trucks are the toughest, so come watch them battle it out to see who truly has the toughest truck and is the most skilled driver in Alaska. Expect dirt and paint to fly!
Sign up for this event at aksupercross.com
The Anchorage Press presents
Friday, August 31 • 6 PM
Monday, September 3 • 4 PM
Adult/ Senior $12, Youth $7
Now this is exciting! Crashing, banging and destroying cars… who wouldn’t love that? These drivers are pushing their cars and themselves to the limits for the title of Demo Derby Champion! Come cheer them on in their quest to become the last man (or woman!) standing. Come back again and catch the Compact Car Demolition Derby on Sunday, September 2 at 6:00 PM.
Sign up for this event at aksupercross.com
Miller Genuine Draft presents
Saturday, September 1 • 4 PM
Adult/ Senior $12, Youth $7
This is a first for Alaska! The first annual Alaska State Fair RALLY CROSS!!! We
will be using, Alaska’s fastest rally and drift cars will be racing in an X-Games
format for cash and prizes.
Sign up for this event at aksupercross.com
Pioneer Equipment, Inc. presents
Sunday, September 2 • 2 PM
Adult lt / Senior $5, Youth FREE
No State Fair would be complete without classic tractors! Come watch these “oldies but goodies” do some serious work as they compete to see who has the most muscle, and cheer them on while they prove they’ve still got it.
Sign up for this event at aksupercross.com
The Anchorage Press presents
Sunday, September 2 • 6 PM
Adult/ Senior $12, Youth $7
Many of you asked for it last year so we are bringing it to you — Alaska State Fair’s First Compact Car Demolition Derby. A little smaller, a little little quicker but hitting just as hard.
Sign up for event at aksupercross.com
FireworksAugust 24, 10:00 PM
The dazzling fireworks display is visible throughout the fairgrounds, there’s no better place to watch!
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Garden ToursWineck Barn
Daily 1:30 PM Join our Head Gardener for a tour of the Fair’s picturesque gardens.
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Morris Communications presents
Borealis Plaza Tent
Saturday, September 1, 1:00-5:00 PM
Come and meet Dog Sled Mushers of the World Famous Iditarod Trail in the Borealis Plaza Tent. Learn the history of the race; meet the racers and their dogs who have had a great influence on the race.
