Alaskans savor state fair flavors: four big events in August celebrate community spirit.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Alaska This Month - Calendar

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State fair food--from powdered-sugar elephant ears to savory gyros--indulges the palate. Renewing friendships and etching family memories satisfies the heart.

August marks state fair season, with the larger events set for this month.

Alaska has nine state fairs held every summer in Copper Center, Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Haines, Kodiak, Nenana Valley, Ninilchik, Palmer and Salcha.

"All the fair (organizers) get together once a year and help each other out," said Randi Carnahan, general manager of the Tanana Valley State Fair Association.

For example, organizers ensure fair dates don't overlap since each event relies on shared services like the carnival, she said. Regional fairs will conduct Alaska's Got Talent competitions and send winners to the finals at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer to compete for the $5,000 first prize.

SOUTHEAST ALASKA STATE FAIR

HAINES--JULY 29-AUG. 1

WWW.SEAKFAIR.ORG

The state fair in Haines combines food, contests and critters in the dramatic setting of mountains and coastline.

"The Southeast Alaska State Fair offers a summer cultural convergence that draws thousands from Alaska and the Yukon each year," said Kelly Hostetler, fair executive director and events coordinator.

About 11,000 people attended the fair last year. Attendees come from the Haines area, Skagway, Juneau and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada.

But Southeast Alaska fair-goers trek to the venue via different routes than their other Alaska counterparts.

"Much of our audience is rural, with visitors traveling to Haines via the Alaska Marine Highway, the Haines Highway or the two Bush air carriers," Hostetler said.

The Southeast fair has been a social draw and seasonal highlight for more than 40 years, Hostetler said.

The 2010 fair in Haines will feature a half-marathon trail race, new food vendors, mechanical bull rides and musical entertainment. The smaller-scale of the Haines fair cultivates its regional flavor.

"Without the midways and commotion of big festivals, there's room in Haines for fair-goers to breathe and try to take it all in: music, arts and crafts, logging contests, food booths, children's stage and carnival, puppet shows, low-stress rides, animals and sporting events," Hostetler said.

TANANA VALLEY STATE FAIR

FAIRBANKS--AUG. 6-14

WWW.TANANAVALLEYFAIR.ORG

The Tanana Valley State Fair in Fairbanks is the state's oldest fair, marking its 79th anniversary this year, and the northernmost state fair in the...