Contributed by Randi Perlman
Another fair has come and gone
But memories of it linger on
The Alaska State Fair keeps us on our toes
As we wander the trails in our wacky fair clothes
Fun & excitement wherever we look
Each daily schedule, a well-read book
Creeping through traffic on the well-worn path
Hoping the parking lot’s not a mud bath
The lines begin at our favorite gate
But once we get in, always worth the wait
We all have our reasons for wanting to be there,
What is it that draws us back year after year?
The many exhibits that change all the time?
Like glowing fish and amazing reptiles
How about dinos from the age of giants?
Or Twiggy the squirrel showing water defiance?
Maybe it’s something more simple than that
Like an antique tractor or a strong lumber jack
Have you ever seen an ostrich be ridden?
Or the best of Alaska on stage and fiddlin’?
A place that celebrates beards and mullets
Along with cows, sheep, goats, and pullets!
Agriculture and farming started it all
And Alaskans don’t grow anything small
Giant pumpkins and cabbage, too
What kid doesn’t love the farm petting zoo?
The flower and veggie exhibits are boss
The Equestrian Center celebrates the horse!
Demo derby and monster trucks
Rodeo and bike-riding stunts
Have I mentioned music? Oh my, there’s lots
Mariachi to bluegrass, country to rock
Many fine concerts on the Borealis stage
Have something to offer for any age
And always a tribute to Alaska’s Balladeer,
Hobo Jim, we miss you and still hold you near
There’s dancing & wrestling and joke-telling, too
And oh, by the way, did I mention FOOD??
From one end to the other, along every trail
Is a feast for the hungry, and that ain’t no tale
Burgers, seafood, dumplings, nachos
Cool down with ice cream and warm up with bread bowls
The many food vendors will keep you from starving
And then there is always the magic wood carving
Shop vendors offer enticing choices
And the rat races elicit many loud voices
There’s more I could say but alas, time has come
To bid farewell to the fair until the next one
It’s always a little bit sad to say bye
But it will return in the blink of an eye
The spectacular drone show lit up the sky
With the fair’s unique story, a special good-bye
See you all next year, same time, same place
When we’ll do it again, at the same crazy pace!
Special thanks to the garden crew for the amazing flower designs all around the fairgrounds, a huge task magnificently accomplished each year!
