FAQ

About the Fair

What are the dates?:

The 2012 Alaska State Fair takes place August 23 through September 3.

What are the hours?:

On weekdays (Monday — Friday), we’re open from noon to 10 p.m. On weekends (Saturday — Sunday), we’re open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. On Labor Day, the Fair is open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Where is the Fair located?:

The fairgrounds are located just an hour’s drive north of Anchorage at mile 40 on the Glenn Highway. Our address is 2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer, Alaska 99654. Google Map

Once at the Fair there are four entrance gates. Three gates, the Purple, Red and Yellow, have parking areas. The fourth, the Green Gate, serves as a drop-off and pick-up zone, and as the depot for the Fair Train. No parking fee is required to access the drop-off or pick-up areas at the entrance to the Green Gate. Access is from the Inner Springer Road at the north end of the fairgrounds.

For more information, view the map on our website or download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, which includes an interactive map with GPS-driven directions.

Is the Fair private property?:

Yes. The Fair is currently a nonprofit 501c3 organization; we are not subsidized by any local, state or federal government.

What items should I NOT bring to the Fair?:

We ask that you not bring the following unauthorized items on to Fair property: Firearms, knives or weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. Animals, except for service animals, Alcoholic beverages, Bicycles, scooters, roller blades, roller skates or skateboards

We also ask that you please refrain from unauthorized: Soliciting, Distributing materials, Smoking, except in designated areas (find out more about our smoking policy on our blog)

What is the price of admission?

Prices:

If you purchase admission before August 23:

Monday – Thursday: $9 adults, $5 youth/senior

Friday – Sunday: $11 adults, $6 youth/senior

If you purchase admission on or after August 23 the following gate prices are in effect:

Monday – Thursday: $11 adults, $7 youth/senior

Friday – Sunday: $13 adults, $8 youth/senior

Note: Senior are 65+, adults are ages 13 – 64, youth are 6 – 12, 5 and under are free.

Is Fair admission included in my Grandstand/concert ticket?:

No, you will need to buy your admission ticket before you arrive or purchase at one of the four gates in order to get into the Fair for a concert or Grandstand event. More information on this topic is included in one of our previous blog posts.

Ways to Save

Are there discounts?:

You can save on admission by purchasing before August 23. Admission tickets are on sale at the Fair website now (convenience fees apply). Starting on August 23, gate prices are in effect.

6 Pack $60:

With our admission 6-pack, you can save up to $18 on six adult daily admissions! Or pick up a youth or senior 6-pack for just $30. These are good any day of the Fair. Order online by August 23 (convenience fees apply).

Season Pass:

Our new season pass includes admission all 12 days of the Fair, a general season parking permit*. The pass is $60 for adults, $40 for seniors, $30 for youth* and is available on the Fair website through July 31.

* Parking permit included only with adult or senior season pass purchase. Not included with youth season passes.

Concessions and Exhibits

How do I get space for a concession or exhibit at the fair?:: Visiting our website is a great place to start. You may also contact the Fair vendor and exhibits manager at 907-746-7159 or pamella@alaskastatefair.org. Please note that the deadline for food vendor applications for the 2011 Fair has already passed. Non-food vendor applications and the 2011 vendor handbook are available on the website.
Can I bring food and drink?:: You can bring food and nonalcoholic beverages to the Fair, as well as coolers and water bottles. However, please note that items are subject to inspection.

Lost Children and Items

I have lost my child. What do I do?:

Lost children are taken to the Lost Kids Building, which is located behind the Security Building, on the Green Trail, southwest of the Borealis Theatre, next to the public restroom and the ATM. Additionally, you can ask any of our security personnel for assistance.

Where are lost items claimed?:

Lost items are claimed at Security Building, located on the Green Trail, southwest of the Borealis Theatre, next to the public restroom and the ATM. Please note that the Fair keeps all lost items for one month after the Fair. After that the unclaimed items are donated to charitable organizations.

The Emergency Services Building is also located on the Green Trail, southwest of the Borealis Theatre, between the ATM and the public restrooms.

All of these buildings are clearly marked on the Fair map, available on the Fair website or in the daily schedule, which may be picked up at the kiosks inside the Fair walk-in gates. You can also download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, which features an interactive map of the fairground, including GPS-driven directions to Fair venues, stages, food booths, restrooms and more!

Accessibility

I have accessibility questions. Who can I contact?:

The Fair is committed to increasing accessibility at the fairgrounds, and we work closely with Access Alaska. Questions may be directed to:

Pamella Meekin, Fair vendor and exhibits manager, 907-746-7159 or pamella@alaskastatefair.org

David Barton, ADA partners project coordinator, 907-248-4777 ext. 206 or dbarton@accessalaska.org

You can also view the Fair map or download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, for the locations of accessible parking, restrooms and buildings. We also invite you to read more about our recent accessibility improvement projects on our blog.

Where is handicapped-accessible parking available during the Fair?:

Handicapped-accessible parking is available at the Red, Yellow and Purple Lots, which offer the closest entrance to the fairgrounds. See the map on our website for more information.

Are pets allowed?:

No. Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds. Service animals are permitted to assist guests and are defined by the ADA as “dogs.” For more information, please refer to www.ada.gov.

Transportation, Parking, RVs and Camping

Are there RV parking or tent areas available during Fairtime?:

Yes. There are RV and tent areas available at the fairgrounds during the Fair. Prices are:

Daily tent permit, $5

Season tents permits, $30

Daily RV permit, $15

Season RV permit, $75

There is an additional $10 fee for a tow-behind car or trailer.

Please note that the camping area does not offer electricity, water or a dump station, and BBQs and open fires are not allowed. More information on location, rules and regulations is included on our website.

Are there hotels near the fairgrounds?:

The following organizations are the best resources for visitor information and services near the Fair:

Palmer Chamber of Commerce: 907-745-2880, www.palmerchamber.org

Wasilla Chamber of Commerce: 907-376-1299, www.wasillachamber.org

Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau: 907-746-5000, www.alaskavisit.com

Services

Where can I rent strollers or wheelchairs?:

You can bring your own strollers or wheelchairs to the Fair. You can also rent from the Kiddie Limo booth, located inside the Red, Yellow and Purple Gates. Strollers are $3 per hour and wheelchairs are $5 per hour. Availability is first-come, first-served.

Where are ATMs located?:

There are seven ATM locations inside the fairgrounds:

Inside the Purple Gate on your left.

Inside the Yellow Gate on your left.

Inside the Red Gate on your right.

Inside the Green Gate, between the restroom and the accessible entrance.

Between the Green and Red Trail, next to the Pebble Corral.

Close to the public restroom and the security building.

Inside Raven Hall, on the left side of the back wall.

ATMs, as well as other venues and points of interest, are clearly marked on the Fair map, available on the Fair website or in the daily schedule, which may be picked up at the kiosks inside the Fair walk-in gates. You can also download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, which features an interactive map of the fairground, including GPS-driven directions to Fair venues, stages, food booths, restrooms and more!

Is there internet at the Fair?:

Free WiFi is available on site in Raven Hall, provided by MTA and the UPS Store.

Where are the pay phones located?:

There are two pay phones on the fairgrounds for your convenience; one is located in Raven Hall and the other at the Green Gate inside the Alaska Railroad Train Depot. For more information, view the map on our website or download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, which includes an interactive map with GPS-driven directions.

Where can I find security?:

We have 24-hour security and EMTs on the fairgrounds. Security personnel patrol the grounds and can also be found in the Security Building, located southwest of the Borealis Theatre on the Green Trail. For more information, view the map on our website or download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, which includes an interactive map with GPS-driven directions.

Events, Will Call, and Contests

Where do I find a daily schedule of Fair events?:

To find out what’s going on each day of the Fair, visit the Fair website or pick up a daily schedule at the kiosks located just inside the Fair walk-in gates. In addition to event information, these schedules include a map of the fairgrounds showing the location of event venues as well as ATMs, restrooms, and security and first aid areas.

Got a smartphone? Get the daily schedule on your phone by downloading a QR Code Reader and then scanning the code displayed at the schedule kiosks just inside the Purple, Yellow and Red Gates. Or download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App. This interactive mobile guide features the Fair daily schedule, with detailed event listings, as well as concert info, an interactive map, food guide, rides guide, venue descriptions and more!

Where is will call?:

You can pick up all will call admission and concert tickets at the Green Gate, which is located outside of the Fair gates. Concert tickets may also be picked up at the Borealis Box Office, located inside the Fair gates.

Green Gate Will Call: To access the Green Gate, turn in by the Purple Gate (gate closest to Palmer) and follow the road paralleling the fairgrounds to the Green Gate. There is a small area to park while you pick up your tickets. After you get your tickets, you may continue to park in the Red Parking Lot or turn and go back onto the Glenn Highway.

Borealis Box Office: You’ll find the Borealis Box Office on the Green Trail, in front of the Borealis Theatre.

For more information, view the map on our website or download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, which includes an interactive map with GPS-driven directions.

Where can I find contest results and when are they posted?:

Results are usually posted on our website within 48 hours of judging.

Does the Fair offer scholarships?:

Yes, we launched our scholarship program in 2010, in recognition of the significant contributions made by Alaska youth to the Alaska State Fair.

Who is eligible to apply?:

In 2012, all Alaska junior and senior high school students who plan to attend college or vocational school are eligible to apply.

How much are you awarding in 2012? :

This year, the Fair will award a total of $6,500 in scholarships, including $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $1,000 for third place. We will also award up to four $500 honorable mention scholarships or increase the award amounts for the first, second or third place recipients. We were able to more than double the scholarship amounts offered this year thanks to a partnership with Artique, Ltd. Read more about this partnership in our blog.

When is the application deadline? :

Applications must be received by Friday, April 20, 2012 at 4 p.m. Applications can be mailed or hand delivered to the Alaska State Fair, 2075 Glenn Hwy., Palmer, Alaska 99645.

How do I apply?:

To apply, submit the following items by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 20:

• Cover letter including student name, address, phone and email, school name and phone, counselor’s name, and the name of the college or vocational school the student plans to attend

• Extracurricular resume including interests, clubs, community service and/or employment

• Letter of recommendation

• A photo that may be used for publicity purposes

• Written essay (1,000 words or less) or a creative project (audio, video, performance arts, visual arts, business plan, social media campaign, arts and crafts, photography, etc.)

The essay or creative project should focus on one of the following three topics:

• How should the Fair grow to serve all of Alaska?

• How can the Fair showcase Alaska agriculture in future fairs?

• How would you use a 12-foot by 12-foot booth space at the Fair to educate or entertain the public, raise awareness of issues, or sell goods or services?

What do you mean by “creative project”?:

We know that essay writing is not for everyone, so we want to give applicants plenty of flexibility in addressing one of the three topic areas. It may be a photograph you take, an original song you compose, a video that you film, a collage that you create, or a social media campaign that you implement. The sky is the limit, as long as what you create addresses one of the three questions we’ve asked. Let your imagination run wild!

Where do I send my application?:

Applications should be mailed or hand delivered to the Alaska State Fair, 2075 Glenn Hwy., Palmer, Alaska 99645, and must be received by Friday, April 20, 2012 at 4 p.m.

Who were the 2011 recipients?:

The 2011 recipients were Melissa Berg of Palmer, Dianna Durbin of North Pole, and Sofiya Kostareva of Anchorage.

Where can I get more information?:

For more information, visit our blog or our website , or contact Kelly Larson, Fair marketing coordinator, at 907.746.7164 or marketing@alaskastatefair.org

Concerts

General information:

Tickets: Concert ticket prices do not include Fair admission.Convenience fees apply.Babes-in-arms admitted for free; children aged 2 and up must have a ticket. During the Fair, concert tickets may also be purchased on the fairgrounds at the Borealis Box Office, adjacent to the Borealis Theatre.

Theatre: The Borealis Theatre is an open-air theatre; shows take place rain or shine. Gates open one hour prior to the show.Re-entry is not permitted. Cameras, recording devices and personal chairs are not allowed

Why do I have to pay a convenience fee when I buy my tickets online?:

Convenience fees are charged by online ticket box offices like Ticketmaster, StubHub, eTix, etc. Convenience fees are standard in the industry. That’s how online ticket box offices earn revenue to operate and offer their services.

How can I avoid convenience fees altogether?:

Prior to the Fair you can purchase concert and event tickets by phone or in person at our main office with no convenience fee. During the Fair you can purchase concert and event tickets from the Borealis Box Office on the fairgrounds with no convenience fee.

Why are there no chairs at some concerts?:

At certain types of concerts, especially rock concerts, people rarely stay in their seats and would prefer to stand. We have found that having seating at these types of concerts causes seated concert-goers a lot of frustration because they are often crowded orblocked by standing concert-goers. Removing the chairs from these concerts allows people to dance, get closer to the stage, be with their friends, move around, etc. It also allows everyone in the reserved area the same opportunity to position themselves to see the show.

Can I take photos? Why can’t I take photos?:

The contracts we sign with the concert performers and their management agencies have strict policies against recording, filming, broadcasting, telecasting, photographing, and reproduction or transmission of either audio or video of the artist or show without prior written consent. The contracts also state that the artist has the right to possess any and all tapes, films, photos or recordings made of their show. We are contractually obligated to adhere to these terms – especially if we want to continue bringing up bigger and better names. Maintaining good relationships with management agencies, which often represent multiple artists, is a key factor in bringing concert-goers the artists they want to see.

What if it rains?:

Most contracts we sign with the concert performers and their management agencies have addendums stating theperformers will take the stage rain or shine; however, they may cancel due to weather conditions they deem hazardous. So shows will go on rain or shine except in the unlikely event of hazardous weather conditions.

What are wet or dry areas? What does that mean?:

There are “wet” (alcohol consumption permitted) and “dry” (no alcohol) seating areas. To enter the “wet” area, you must be aged 21 or older and present a valid photo ID, or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Wheelchair accessible seating areas are available in both the reserved and general admission sections.Please note that there are some concerts with no chairs in the reserved