Alaska State Fair – Palmer, Alaska

Alaska State Fair – Palmer, Alaska

Everyone enjoys a State Fair and those in Alaska are no different.  The Fair is eleven days long ending on Labor Day.

Each state fair has a history of how it started and Alaska is no different.  The area that is home to the fair, the heart of the Matanuska Valley, had the Dena’ina as it’s first occupants.  Then US Government made an attempt to settle the area by giving families that were on relief a new start in 1935.  203 families from Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Oklahoma were selected to move to the area.  After 4 years there were still 40 percent of the original colonists still living there.

In 1936, after a year of clearing land and building homes, they wanted a celebration.  The Matanuska Valley Fair Association was formed and along with that a 4 day Fair was held.  They covered the cost of the Fair by selling stock and charging $1 for adults and $2 for a season pass.  Children under 8 were admitted for free.

Since the Fair was held at the same time the Knik River Bridge was opened those from Anchorage and the Valley could all get there.  They had events that are still held at a number of Fairs today.  There was the crowning of the Fair queen, a baby show, boxing matches, horse races, dances, a rodeo and baseball games along with hundreds of agricultural entries for everyone to see and enjoy.

in 1938 the acquired a more permanent site.  This is where the Palmer Pioneer home is now located.  By 1939 there were a record 1,600 visitors attending the Fair.

The Fair went on hiatus form 1942 to 1946 due to the war but was back in full swing in 1947.  As the Fair grew it needed more space and is now located on 300 acres with the total attendance continuing to grow. 

When visiting the Fair you will be enchanted with the wide array of flowers growing on the grounds. 

Getting to the Fair

The fairgrounds are located just an hour’s drive north of Anchorage at Mile 40 on the Glenn Highway. Once at the Fair, there are four entrance gates. Three gates, the Purple, Red and Yellow have parking areas.

Green Gate Information
The fourth, the Green Gate serves as a drop-off and pick-up zone, and as the depot for the Fair Train. No parking fee is required to access the entrance area to the Green Gate. Access is from the Inner Springer Road at the north end of the fairgrounds.

You can also ride the Fair Train from Anchorage.  You can buy not only your train ride but also the tickets to the fair at one time.  Booking Your Ticket: Call 265-2494 or 1-800-554-0552. All tickets are sold at the round trip rate and include Fair admission.

RV Parking

You will be directed to the Inner Springer South. From there, you will turn on Rebarchek Road and follow signage.  Prices are $15  per vehicle. An additional fee of $10 will be charged for fifth wheels and any vehicle with a tow-behind.

You will receive parking coupons for the day(s) you will be staying. You will also receive a window hanger with the dates punched that you will be staying.

The lots will be checked daily to see if your pass is current. If not visible or current, your vehicle will be towed. Your daily payment allows you to stay until 9:00 am the following morning.
RV Lot General Regulations:

• Outdoor cooking and campfires are not allowed. Any patron burning a fire will be asked to leave the property and no refund will be given.
• Please pick up your trash and place in the provided trash containers. Trash left behind hinders others enjoyment of the area.
• A 16 foot wide bay space is allowed. Allow 4 feet between you and your neighbor. Only extend awnings 4 feet.
• The parking lot and RV lot are dangerous places for kids to play. Please restrict children’s activities in the lot. 
• Pets are not permitted inside the Fairgrounds. Do not tether your pet(s) outside your vehicle. All pets must be on a leash. Unattended pets found tied outside will be removed by the proper authorities. All animal waste must be picked up immediately.
• Absolutely no RV parking is allowed in the Purple, Yellow or Red General Parking Lots.

There will be 24 hour security on site so please follow all regulations.

Parking at the Fair

Handicap accessible parking is available at the Red, Yellow and Purple Lots, which offer the closest entrance to the fairgrounds.

Tow-away zones. For pedestrian safety, parking on
the Glenn Highway or right-of-way by the fairgrounds is not allowed. These areas will be closed off and clearly marked “no parking.” Any vehicles parked there will be towed.

Regardless of how you come to the Fair, you will enjoy the experience and meet great people.

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