Tanana Valley State Fair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tanana Valley State Fair |
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| Genre | State fair |
| Dates | 9-10 days in early August |
| Location(s) | Fairbanks, Alaska |
| Years active | 1924–1941; 1946–2019; 2021– |
| Attendance | 92,500 in 2014 |
| Website | Tanana Valley State Fair |
The Tanana Valley State Fair is a super fun yearly event held in College, Alaska, United States. It kicks off on the first Friday in August. This fair is a really big deal for people living in Interior Alaska. You can find the fairgrounds on a large piece of land, about 100 acres, just outside Fairbanks. It's right in the middle of College Road.
At the fair, you'll find exciting amusement rides, lots of tasty food, cool things to see in competitive exhibits, fun contests, and live shows. In 2012, a day pass for an adult cost $10, and a season pass for the whole fair was $35.
Contents
History of the Fair
The Tanana Valley Fair started way back in 1924. This makes it the oldest state fair in all of Alaska! Two important people, George William Gasser and Harry Markley Badger, helped create the group that runs the fair.
From 1924 to 1951, the fair was held in different spots around downtown Fairbanks. But since 1952, it has always been at its current location. This land was first rented from the University of Alaska.
Alaska's State Fair Title
In 1936, another fair started in Palmer, called the Matanuska Valley Fair. When Alaska became a state in 1959, this fair changed its name to the "Alaska State Fair".
Both the Tanana Valley Fair and the Alaska State Fair wanted to be called the "Official Alaska State Fair." So, the governor of Alaska decided they would share the title! The Tanana Valley State Fair in Fairbanks would use the title in even-numbered years, and the Alaska State Fair in Palmer would use it in odd-numbered years.
In 1985, the fair in Fairbanks officially became known as the "Tanana Valley State Fair" forever. The Alaska State Fair in Palmer is held every year for about two weeks in early August.
Other Fairs in Alaska
There are other fun fairs in Alaska too! The Southeast Alaska Fair happens in Haines for four days at the end of July. You can also find fairs in Ninilchik and Kodiak later in August and early September. Smaller fairs are held in places like Delta Junction, Kenny Lake, and Salcha.
The Tanana Valley State Fair didn't happen in 1942-1945 or in 2020.
Fair Themes Over the Years
Every year, the Tanana Valley State Fair picks a fun theme! These themes often have clever names and sometimes even special colors. Here are some examples of past themes:
- 1990 - Lettuce Entertain Ewe
- 1997 - Attack of the Killer Cabbages! They're big, they're green, and they're here!
- 2000 - Give Peas a Chance
- 2008 - Pirates of the Carrots & Beans
- 2018 - May The Fair Be with You
- 2021 – Don't Stop Be-leafing
- 2023 - Don't go Bacon my Heart
- 2024 - Thank You For Bee-ing a Friend
Farmer's Market
The Tanana Valley Farmer's Market started in 1978. It was a way for people who showed their produce and goods at the fair to sell them. Today, the market is open from May to September, three days a week.
The market used to be right on the fairgrounds property. But in 2005, the market and its building moved to a new spot about half a mile away.
See also
- Alaska State Fair
- Festival
- State fair
