The 2024 Alaska State Fair truly lived up to its theme, “Enjoy the Ride,” as a record number of fairgoers made their way the fairgrounds in Palmer from August 16 to September 2. This year, 370,485 fairgoers enjoyed the festivities, surpassing last year’s attendance of 356,179.
“People far and wide gathered together to celebrate an end-of-summer tradition uniquely assembled with entertainment, music, food, carnival, agriculture, games, culture, contests and a celebration of Alaska,” said Jeff Curtis, CEO of the Fair.
The ConocoPhillips Alaska Concert Series was a major draw to the 2024 Fair, with a record number of concertgoers and five sold-out shows, including performances by Wynonna Judd, Whiskey Myers, Oliver Anthony and both Ludacris shows.
Alaskans enjoyed first-class entertainment around the grounds with new attractions like Cirque Ma’Ceo which performed three shows a day, each show filling their tented arena to capacity. Guest also got to take a visual journey and experience the life and legacy of Princess Diana from the point of view of her longtime friend and official photographer. With five stages of free entertainment, 52 contest and events and over 500 vendors, gardens and exhibits there was no shortage of fun experiences to be had.
The 4-H/FFA Junior Market Livestock Auction also set new benchmarks, raising $589,306 through the sale of 141 animals—a notable increase from last year’s $510,000 and 107 animals. 4-H/FFA youth proudly raised and sold a variety of livestock, including chickens, ducks, geese, game birds, rabbits, turkeys, beef, swine, lamb and goats.
Fairgoers showed off their skill and competitive spirit, submitting a total of 7,660 exhibits, up from 7,506 in 2023. Categories ranged from art and photography to baked goods, crafts, agriculture and livestock, showcasing the diverse talents of Alaskans across the state.
Special exhibits contests included the ever-popular Alaska’s Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off and Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off. Dale Marshall, of Anchorage, secured his spot as champion of the 18th Alaska’s Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off with a 2,035-pound pumpkin. Top honors in the 28th Annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off went to Scott Robb, of Palmer, and his 97.35-pound entry.
A total of eight new state records were set at the 2024 Fair, including catnip grown by Rita Gelino-Bequette of Wasilla; buckwheat grown by Sandy Skaggs of Anchorage; bunching onion, garlic and tomato plant grown by Theresa Phillips of Palmer; mushroom (puffball) grown by Barry Siltman of Palmer; mustard greens grown by Krystyna McRobert of Wasilla; and rhubarb grown by Roger Francisco of Anchorage.
Food is central to the Fair experience, so it was only natural to partner with Mat-Su Food Bank on a food drive that collected approximately 7,000 pounds of canned goods at this year’s Fair. Additionally, 434 pounds of vegetables from crop exhibits and over 300 pounds of produce harvested from the Fair gardens were donated to the Food Bank. Another ton of vegetables from the crops exhibits was donated to the Alaska Zoo and Wildlife Conservation Center, while flowers from the Fair gardens were shared with local businesses and organizations through the efforts of the group “That Thing Goin’ On.”
During the Fair, Bruce and Vickie Bush of Palmer were recognized as the 2024 Farm Family of the Year. The Bush family, owners of Bushes Bunches, a family-run farm and produce stand, have been a vital part of Alaska’s agricultural community since 1956. The Bushes were recognized on the 25th anniversary of the annual award, established in 2000 by Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Agriculture and the Fair to honor an Alaska Grown farm family that best epitomizes the spirit of the industry that year, and to showcase hard-working Alaskans committed to agriculture.
Sustainability efforts continued through the Alaska State Fair Recycles initiative, which collected 31.7 tons of aluminum, plastic, paper, steel and cardboard at this year’s event. Since 2002, 469.8 tons of recyclable material have been diverted from landfills.
“As the 2024 Alaska State Fair comes to an end, I’d like to reflect on the people and community that make it all possible,” Curtis said. “It’s our dedicated staff, board of directors, volunteers, sponsors, service providers and community partners that help this world-class event be so successful. I sincerely thank you all for joining us and look forward to seeing you all again next year.”
The 2025 Alaska State Fair, themed “Reach for the Stars,” will be held from August 15 to September 1, 2025.
For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at [email protected].
