Palmer Things to Do Tips by kaloz

Scarecrows all in a row

The day of our visit was the Scarecrow Contest at the Matanuska Maid Corral. There are a lot of crows and ravens in Alaska so you must know how to make a good scarecrow if you are going to farm here. The competition didn't lend itself to pictures but I found these guys hanging around afterwards.

Teams of three have one hour to build the best scarecrow.

To see who won:
http://www.alaskastatefair.org/2003/results/results1.html

Address: State Fairgrounds

Directions: http://www.alaskastatefair.org/2003/gettofair.html

Phone: 1-800-850-FAIR

Generations -- The 4-H Barn

4-H is developing youth through life skills --- learn by doing. Visit the 4-H barn to see what the kids have learned. The exhibits are wonderful and show great imagination. Well worth a visit. I was amazed and delighted to see what happens when you get kids away from the television and video-games.

Address: 4-H Barn

Phone: 1-800-850-FAIR

Website: http://www.alaskastatefair.org/

Don't forget the Cabbage

While I wasn't there for the giant cabbage competition, there is plenty to see in the crops area, including this beautiful cabbage which was only good enough for a red ribbon (2nd best). There are plenty of other crops on display if cabbage isn't your fancy, but I only get to pick one photo at a time.

For more information on crops (adobe format):

http://www.alaskastatefair.org/pdfs/2003_eg_crops.pdf

Address: State Fairgrounds

Directions: http://www.alaskastatefair.org/2003/gettofair.html

Phone: 1-800-850-FAIR

Website: http://www.alaskastatefair.org/

Hand Crafts -- Exhibits and Demonstrations

Watch and learn as demonstrations take you from shearing an animal to spinning the yarn and making it into something wonderful. Here we see two women working the shorn hair of an Al-Paca. First spinning it to make a yarn, and then working the yarn for clothing.

Get More information (adobe format)
http://www.alaskastatefair.org/pdfs/2003_eg_handandneed.pdf

Address: 2075 Glenn Hwy, State Fairgrounds

Directions: http://www.alaskastatefair.org/2003/gettofair.html

Phone: 1-800-850-FAIR

Website: http://www.alaskastatefair.org

Go to the State Fair

If you are in Alaska at the end of August, take a trip to Palmer for Alaska's State Fair. Produce, Livestock, Crafts, Food, Rides, and a whole lot of fun awaits. Just 35 miles from Anchorage. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for Seniors and Youth, and free for any under 6 years old. Parking is $4 for cars, or $2 if you have four people in your car.

Address: Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Hwy

Directions: 35 miles from Anchorage on the Glenn Highway or for more detailed directions:
http://www.alaskastatefair.org/2003/aboutus/directions.html

Phone: 1-800-850-FAIR

Website: http://www.alaskastatefair.org/index.html