Contributed by Melissa Keefe
With another year of hosting the state’s largest annual event under its belt, the Alaska State Fair is calling the 2019 event a success. The 2019 fair took place August 22nd-September 2nd at the fairgrounds in Palmer, where fairgoers for the most part enjoyed unseasonably warm, dry weather.
The fair saw increases in both AT&T Concert Series ticket sales, as well as attendance. Ticket sales at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre were up 6.8 percent, driven by popular concerts such as Dustin Lynch, who drew more than 5,200 concert-goers, as well as near sell-outs for Shinedown and Cole Swindell performances. Meanwhile, total estimated attendance for 2019 was 303,989, a 2.8 percent increase over last year.
That success extended to other fair events; there wasn’t an open seat in the BP Grandstand at the sold-out Demolition Derby and all three All Star Monster Trucks shows.
Over in farm exhibits, the 4-H Junior Market Livestock Auction set yet another record, raising $257,000 from the sale of 76 animals this year - up $33,000 from last year.
New records extended to the crops department, which saw 10 new state records set in the first and second entries, including melon, garlic, quinoa, sunflower, ginseng, hot pepper and pumpkin.
There was a lot of excitement at the 14th Annual Alaska’s Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off, with Dale Marshall taking first place with a state-record-breaking 2,051-pound pumpkin, and second place going to junior grower, Thomas Whitmire, and his 280-pound entry.
While there were no new records set in the 24th annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off, this year’s entries were still impressive, with first place going to Walter Chastain of Wasilla for his 77.5-pound cabbage.
“A big thank you for another great year. Whether you enjoyed old favorites or experienced a new adventure, we hope you enjoyed the 2019 Fair,” said Jerome Hertel, Alaska State Fair general manager. “To our employees, volunteers, vendors, entertainers, sponsors and, of course, our loyal customers, your efforts and attendance are greatly appreciated. Your hard work and dedication have made for another successful year.”
Watch the Alaska State Fair website and social media channels for additional details on the 2019 fair.
For more information, please visit www.alaskastatefair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at mk@alaskastatefair.org or 907-746-7166.
