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“Peonies from Heaven” is the fair theme this year, and with all of the rain Fairbanks received this June, the garden exhibitions should be fabulous. Edging earlier and earlier into the summer, the Tanana Valley State Fair will begin August 1st this year.

With rodeos and demolition derbies to Cello Fury and local grown vocalist, Emily Anderson, this year’s fair will be bulging with all kinds of activities, and huge cabbages that have been well watered. Even if you aren’t attending for the rides, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide smorgasbord of food .

On the musical front, the slate includes names you may recognize: Mark Wills, Hannah Bethel, and the “Pied Piper of Percussion,” Steve Gryb. Other entertainment comes from Roderick Russell–multi-talented sword swallower, mind reader, and hypnotist. You can peruse the exhibit halls packed with all the fruits of much hard labor from Fairbanks folks. You’ll be surprised by how many locals contribute to everything from watercolor and photographic images to homespun yarn and fabric, elaborate embroidery, and an amazing array of creative arts.
Another aspect of the fair is the animals—horsemanship competition and hopeful 4H youths looking for that grand prize ribbon. And don’t forget the gigantic produce that our long summer sun produces.