People showed up for burgers and hot dogs, for carnival games and live music, and as a way to kick off the spring.
The Southeast Alaska State Fair held its “Spring Fling” event Saturday afternoon on the fairgrounds, as a way to showcase the fair in the summer, as well as to drive interest in membership in the fair organization, said Amanda Randles, executive director of the group.
Membership includes a chance to vote on the board of directors, and a free four-day pass to the event.
It’s also “a fun excuse to get together,” she said.
The state fair has been around for about 20 years. This year’s event is from July 27 to 30 and will feature 30 different bands, a full midway with a carousel and a Ferris wheel, exhibits, a logging show and more. The concerts will be included in the price of admission, Randles said.
There will also be a fisherman’s rodeo, where fishermen will compete to do the same tasks they are required to do on the job, such as running line and getting into rescue gear. People are also invited to sign up for the Southeast Alaska’s Got Talent contest, and the winner could go on to the statewide competition in Palmer in September. Information is at seakfair.org.
To get people in the mood for the fair, there were some events at the Spring Fling. The children played in the bounce house, tried out the ring toss, and rode on bouncing horses brought in for the event.
The next event at the fairgrounds will be Beerfest, on Memorial Day weekend, with 24 brewers from Alaska and the Yukon offering their fare.