History of Alaska State Fair in Timeline

The Alaska State Fair is an annual 1½-week event held in Palmer, Alaska, typically starting at the end of August. Located an hour north of Anchorage, it attracts visitors from across the region. The fair is renowned for its giant vegetables and scenic setting in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, against the backdrop of the Chugach Mountains. The fair offers a range of attractions including amusement rides, food vendors, competitive exhibits, carnival games, and live performances, providing entertainment for a diverse audience.

1933: Organization of Northland Pioneer Grange No. 1

In 1933, the Northland Pioneer Grange No. 1, an agricultural fraternal organization, was organized in the Matanuska Valley.

1935: Planning for the fair begins

In 1935, planning began for the first Alaska State Fair, coinciding with the establishment of the Matanuska Colony.

1936: First Alaska State Fair

In 1936, the first Alaska State Fair was held from September 4–7. It was organized by the Northland Pioneer Grange No. 1.

1941: First Giant Cabbage Contest

In 1941, the Alaska State Fair began its giant cabbage contest tradition, with Max Sherrod winning the $25 prize with a 23-pound cabbage.

1942: Fair Hiatus Begins

In 1942, the Alaska State Fair went on a five-year hiatus due to World War II.

1946: End of Fair Hiatus

In 1946, the five-year hiatus of the Alaska State Fair came to an end following World War II.

1947: Fair Resumes Operation

In 1947, the Alaska State Fair resumed operation after a five-year hiatus.

1950: First Carnival Rides at the Fair

In 1950, the first carnival rides were introduced at the Alaska State Fair.

1956: Petition for Official Designation

In 1956, the fair Board petitioned the Alaska Legislature for official designation as the Alaska State Fair.

1960: 25th Anniversary and Presidential Visit

In 1960, the Alaska State Fair celebrated its 25th anniversary and was visited by President John F. Kennedy.

1967: New Location for the Fair

In 1967, the Alaska State Fair moved to its current 300-acre location at 2075 Glenn Highway in Palmer, with attendance reaching 72,000.

1975: Establishment of Colony Village

In 1975, Colony Village, preserving historic buildings, was established at the fairgrounds.

1995: Establishment of Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off

In 1995, the official Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off was established at the Alaska State Fair.

1997: Completion of Pioneer Plaza and Raven Hall

In 1997, construction of Pioneer Plaza and Raven Hall was completed at the Alaska State Fair.

1998: Record Attendance at the Fair

In 1998, the Alaska State Fair had a record attendance of 361,804 people over 18 days, with 10,890 exhibit entries.

2003: High Attendance at the Fair

In 2003, the Alaska State Fair saw 312,419 visitors over a 12-day period.

2004: Opening of New Green Gate and Railroad Depot

In 2004, the Alaska State Fair opened its new Green Gate and Railroad Depot.

2007: PBS GardenSMART Filming

In 2007, the makers of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) program GardenSMART visited the Alaska State Fair to film a 30-minute segment.

2010: Arrest of Sidney Hill

In 2010, Valley resident Sidney Hill was arrested at the fairgrounds for fourth-degree assault, disorderly conduct and trespassing.

2010: Giant Vegetable Exhibits

In 2010, the Alaska State Fair featured giant vegetable exhibits, including a pending world record-breaking gourd vine and state record-breaking bean, gourd, and pumpkin.