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The Fresh Dozen: 12+ New things

It’s almost here – the 2018 Alaska State Fair. This year you’ll find all your Fair favorites, but we’ve planned some fun new surprises, too. Here’s a baker’s dozen of things to consider as you plan your trip to the Fair. Check them out and tell us what you think! #AKFairFresh

#1 $5 admission to say thank you.

To say “thank you” to our First Responders and members of the military, we are offering $5 admission on Military Appreciation Day, Sunday, September 2, and First Responders Day, Monday, September 3. On Military Appreciation Day, each servicemember can also bring up to three dependents at the discounted admission. Read more

 

#2 Drink beer, save farms.

Raise a glass to the future of Alaska’s farmlands at Brew Tap! The event, held Friday, August 31, will feature local brews made with local ingredients, as well as live music by the Super Saturated Sugar Strings. $1 from every beer purchased will be donated to the Alaska Farmland Trust, which is dedicated to preserving Alaska’s farmlands for future generations. Read more

#3 Unlimited carnival rides.

With our new carnival wristbands, you get Fair admission and unlimited carnival rides for just $50 (must purchase by August 22). The carnival wristbands are good on either Monday or Tuesday, August 27 or 28. There are also options to purchase without Fair admission or at the carnival on the day of. Read more

#4 Buy parking online.

I in Fair Sign

This year, we’re excited to offer the ability to purchase Fair parking online in advance. Buy your parking pass online and print at home, then scan it quickly and conveniently at the entrance to the parking lot. Both single day passes and season parking passes are available, and you can purchase anytime throughout the Fair. Read more

#5 Award-winning marching band.

The award-winning Colony High School Marching Band, THEE Northern Sound, has been invited to perform in Normandy, France, for the 75thanniversary of D-Day in 2019. You can help them get there by buying tickets to see them perform on the Borealis Theatre stage on Tuesday, August 28. The band will also march in the Fair parade on Saturday, August 25. Read more

#6 Ancient Alaska sea monsters.

Stop by the eWorX Don Sheldon Events Center to meet local artists James and Andi Havens from the Alaska Paleo Project and learn about Alaska’s recently discovered prehistoric creatures, including ancient sea monsters who inhabited Alaska’s ancient oceans over 75 million years ago. Read more

#7 Jim Gaffigan times 2.

What’s better than a Jim Gaffigan show? TWO Jim Gaffigan shows! The Grammy-nominated, New York Times best-selling stand-up comedian returns to the Fair for not one, but two performances on Sunday, September 2. Read more

 

#8 Blues and Brews with Jonny Lang.

Sample a flight of craft beers or sip a pint of your favorite brew as you enjoy early admission to the Jonny Lang concert! Gates open at 5:30 so come early for a brew before the bluesy stylings of Grammy Award-winning guitarist Jonny Lang. Read more

 

#9 Glow Zone in the Kid Zone.

This brand new show, appearing daily, stars bioluminescent fish, reptiles and insects and is FREE with Fair admission. Great for both kids and kids at heart. Read more

 

#10 Rodeo Dance w/Branch & Dean.

After day one of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman Rodeo Alaska Champions Tour, end your day by dancing the night away at the Rodeo Dance with live music by Branch and Dean! This hot country duo, known for high-octane country like the raucous anthem “Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone” and their breakthrough hit “The Dash,” takes the stage Saturday, August 25 at 8:30 p.m. Read more

#11 Cirque Zuma Zuma.

Described as an African-style Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Zuma Zuma features nonstop action and amazing performances showcasing all different types of African culture. Fast-paced and full of acrobatic ingenuity, the show is part high-energy dance act, part Cirque du Soleil, and part Harlem Globetrotters. See them at the Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage, FREE with Fair admission. Read more

#12 Storytime with Curious George.

You’ve read about him in books, seen him on TV – and now you can meet everyone’s favorite curious little monkey in person! Curious George, one of the most beloved and most recognizable characters, is coming to the Fair to meet and read with fans young and old. Read more

 

#PLUS – Crowning of the Fair Queen.

The very first Fair in 1936 featured the crowning of the Fair Queen – and we’re bringing back this royal tradition at the 2018 Fair! Join us at the coronation event on Thursday, August 23, where we’ll crown the queen and select other members of the Fair royal family, including the princesses and a cultural ambassador. #ASFQ18
Read More and vote for the People’s Choice Award!

 

Want to know more about the 2018 Fair? Check out our website for an up-to-date daily schedule and plan your perfect day at the Fair.

Author: Betty Shadura

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