State Fairs rev up across Alaska for summer finale: Haines, Ninilchik, Fairbanks, Kodiak and Palmer delight all ages.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: AUG 1-31: Alaska This Month - List

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Many Alaskans mark the close of summer with a traditional adventure to the state fair. Five Alaska state fairs feature agriculture exhibits, enticing fair food, national and local performers, rodeos and events special to each region.

SOUTHEAST ALASKA STATE FAIR

The Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines set for July 28-31 is the town's most well-attended annual event. Last year 11,000 people came to the four-day fair, said Jessica Edwards, assistant director for the fair.

"It is a huge economic boost for local businesses because it draws residents from around the region to our town of 2,500 people," Edwards said. "Literally every bed and camping space in town is full."

The Haines fair is also a major arts event for Southeast Alaska, offering four days of performances at two fairground venues, she said.

New food vendors join the fair this year, bringing the total to 60, she said. The fair will also feature a showing of the film "Smokin' Fish," which premiered at Smithsonian's Native American Museum last month and has a fall run scheduled on PBS. Other highlights include the logging show, the fisherman's rodeo and fiddle and songwriting contests.

KENAI PENINSULA STATE FAIR

The renal Peninsula state fair in Ninilchik at mile 136 of the Sterling Highway runs Aug. 19-21. It serves as a place to meet friends, compete and experience fair delights.

"The Kenai Peninsula Fair has been a place for the community and families to reconnect after a hard summer of working and share all their accomplishments for over 60 years," said Lara McGinnis, fair manager.

Last year about 7,800 people attended the Kenai Peninsula fair. About 100 vendors will operate booths again this year, McGinnis said. Pop rock musician Jules Larson will perform nightly. Larson has written and performed theme songs for TV shows "Castle" and "One Tree Hill."

Lower Peninsula tryouts for Alaska's Got Talent" will be conducted Aug. 19 at the fair. The winner will earn a chance to compete for $5,000 at the Alaska State Fair finals in Palmer.

The fair also features the Kenai Peninsula Rodeo with bull-riding, barrel racing and calf roping.

TANANA VALLEY STATE FAIR

Interior Alaska's event, the Tanana Valley State Fair, will run Aug. 5-13 in Fairbanks.

Fairbanks residents conducted informal fairs, but the first recorded event was held in 1924, said Randi Carnahan, general manager and executive director. She recently tracked down a 1924 exhibitor's handbook, revealing...