Fair flourishes: more than rollercoaster rides and cotton candy, Alaska's regional fairs bring economic benefits.

• Author: Ajango, Deb

"The best part of a fair," says Deidra Berberich, business manager of the Alaska state fair in Palmer, "is that it's fun. It's a great atmosphere. The kids are jumping with excitement. Everyone shows up in a good mood. And when they leave, they're tired, but you can tell they had a good time."

Few will argue that fairs are fun. But behind the scenes, Alaska's state fairs are the work of hundreds of workers who slave away for thousands of hours to put on good shows, like the party thrown annually in Palmer. As a result, locals get to enjoy not only the typical fair treats, such as cotton candy, exhibits or rides, but can also relish in the repercussions these minieconomic boons bring each summer.

CULTURAL ROOTS

Historically, fairs have been an integral part of the American society, celebrating regional history and showing off wares and wealth. Similarly, Alaska's fairs honor the histories, cultures and resources of the diverse regions of the state.

Palmer's festival, for example, stems from the roughly 200 Midwest farming families who relocated to the Matanuska Valley in the 1930s as part of a federal program. Having lost their livelihoods and homes and trying to escape the Great Depression, the colonists moved north to begin a new life.

Back home, agricultural fairs had been a way of life for the colonists. So, in the spring of 1936, after toughing out their first winter in Alaska, the new residents decided to meet their neighbors and have a celebration. They decided on a three-day fair in September to observe their first successful year in Alaska. It was a chance to see who raised the fattest livestock, canned the sweetest berries, and grew the biggest vegetables.

The first fair was held in Palmer's old Central School. Exhibits of jellies, vegetables, flowers and quilts filled the entire basement. Canvas tarps just east of the school housed the livestock exhibits.

Agriculture remains an important part of Palmer's state fair, which is located on a 222-acre site in the heart of Matanuska farm country. In addition to rides and exhibits, the annual blowout features events dedicated to preserving the history of the Matanuska Valley. Found on the fair grounds, for instance, is Colony Village, a collection of buildings that houses photos, artifacts and displays for visitors to peruse.

"I think that focusing on an area's history and resources is a natural outcrop of a fair," says Berberich. But, she adds, Palmer's fair goes beyond a regional focus. "We attract visitors from wide areas of the state and from Outside. So we feel we are representing all of Alaska, not...