Contributed by Amber French & Kristin Sperling
The Elmendorf-Richardson Spouses’ Club Country Fair
10/26/2019 - 10AM
The Elmendorf-Richardson Spouses’ Club
JBER Buckner Fitness Center
Cost: $1 General/ FREE Ages 0-12
It’s that time of year again! The Elmendorf-Richardson Spouses’ Club is hosting their annual country fair on October 26th!
Held every fall at Buckner Fitness Center on JBER for all the surrounding communities of Southcentral Alaska, the country fair is one of the two ERSC fundraisers which provide scholarships for military dependents. For the 2018-2019 year, the proceeds from the country fair combined with the Spring Scholarship Gala provided $17,900 in scholarships to 10 military dependents and spouses which were awarded in May.
The ERSC, formerly known as the Fort Richardson Spouses’ Club, is a supportive network made up of military spouses from all military branches and ranks for over 40 years. Their goal is to provide opportunities and a sense of community for military spouses through activities, leadership opportunities and service.
The ERSC gives back to our local communities in many different ways ,including community service and charitable grants. The ERSC works closely with Last Frontier Honor Flight by providing care bags for our veterans’ flights to the nation’s capital as well as joining in the celebration of their return. The ERSC also actively supports Wreaths Across America, and in 2018 helped to double the amount of wreaths that were placed at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery in December. In 2018-2019 the ERSC also granted over $28,000 in charitable grants to various groups throughout Southcentral Alaska who support military-affiliated personnel and their families.
The country fair is in-turn an opportunity for the local communities to help support the ERSC Scholarship Program, just by enjoying what Alaskan artisans and craftsmen have to offer!
The country fair is being held from 10am-5pm on October 26th, and is a large open-to-the-public event. Admission is $1, all of which goes to the scholarship program, with ages, 12 and under, free. Traffic can gain access to base through the Fort Richardson Gate, and will be directed to the fitness center. You will not need base access to go to the fair.
Like the air show, the local community will be able to take part, but must follow base rules while in attendance. Air Force Security Forces will be monitoring this event to ensure the safety of vendors and attendees.
Over 120 vendor booths of Alaskan-made products as well as local military groups selling meals and snacks make this a fun shopping experience for everyone! For over 41 years the Country Fair has provided an opportunity for local communities to explore and support Alaskan artisans while helping military dependents achieve their dreams.
