Contributed by Sharon Aubrey
Like many Alaskans, I’ve attended the State Fair in Palmer for decades, and about two decades ago also worked it as an employee. However, this year I had the honor to host the Alaskan Book Booth at the Fair and experience new insight into the amazing intricacies and collaborations that make up this visiting tiny village. Long before the walkways are packed with happy children and excited adults, State Fair employees have been hard at work for months to bring us creative products, events, and music. This year, the Fair had a variety of new vendors like myself, who were able to participate alongside veteran vendors like Tammy and Bill of the Antique Shop and Susan of the Arctic Pups Dog Gear booths beside us. We are so thankful for the long-term vendors who help us newbies out.
As booths were set up, unforeseen problems arose from broken support beams to wind-torn awnings around the Fair. It was heartwarming to see the pioneer spirit of Alaska that built our State was still alive and well, as vendors gladly assisted each other whenever needed. Most didn’t even know the person they were helping at times. Although each vendor had his or her own work to finish, no one was ever too busy to turn away a neighbor in need. Then as the Fair entered full swing, vendors encouraged each other daily in the morning when they saw their neighbor was tired or a little discouraged from the long hours of work with little sleep. Even Fair employees were wonderful and encouraging. Many vendors encouraged Fair employees too.
After the Fair, when people were worn out the most and tearing down their booths, vendors continued to extend kindness, generosity, and a helping hand towards others. I witnessed several people rush to the aid of a fellow vendor when his grill fell halfway off a trailer or when others needed an extra hand to load something or borrow a tool. The spirit of unity permeated the Fair more refreshing than the mountain winds blowing around us.
Often times our nation gains a glimpse of its pioneer spirit when our independence and strength combine in unity to aid those in need after a natural disaster or a massive attack, but rarely do we get to view the gentle workings of this spirit on a daily basis for weeks without a substantial negative external force motivating our response. The beauty of quiet collaboration without demand was beyond encouraging. It spoke to the core of Alaskan society, where people are genuinely filled with integrity, friendship, and a sincere willingness to help each other thrive. This more than anything else has given me a deeper appreciation of what the State Fair means to Palmer and Alaska in general. Beyond the fun, food, music and new sights to see or experience, there is a link in our community exemplified by the Fair. We have a bond of respect for each other and our diversities that is not easily broken. What a beautiful gift the Fair offers Alaskans, a chance to come together in celebration of all that we are.
Yes, the Fair is a lot of work and often traffic can be annoying, but its benefits far outweigh any inconvenience. If you haven’t been to the State Fair in a while or think that the Fair has the same old things, I challenge you to come and see it next year. Fair employees like Alice, who handles recycling, or Darlene, who cleans the women’s restroom, will change your mind, or maybe you will have the blessing to meet one of the many gardeners who tend the grounds with love and great attention to detail or the administrators who carefully cultivate the positive atmosphere among employees, vendors, entertainers, and patrons. Wherever you look, the State Fair is filled with the Pioneering Spirit of Alaska and is encouraging.
The Alaskan Book Booth was honored to have been part of the 2019 State Fair. Sponsored by Alaska Magazine, Best Beginnings & Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and Relevant Publishers LLC, our Book Booth had thirty-five different Alaskan authors share their books representing a variety of genres. We extend a big thank you to everyone involved, from Fair employees to our fellow vendors to all the visitors who attend. THANK YOU! We are eagerly looking forward to the blessings the 2020 Fair will bring our community.
