While the traditional Alaska State Fair is closed for the first time since 1942 due to COVID-19 concerns, the new Mat-Su Fall Festival is filling the void just outside of Palmer.
The Aug. 28-30 event will include dozens of live music performances, gourmet food trucks and scores of local vendors and a BBQ cookoff competition. It all happens at Alaska Raceway Park from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The cost is $5 and children under eight are free.
The Food Truck Safari gives festival-goers the chance to eat at all 22 participating food trucks and then turn in the safari guide for a chance to win prizes in a drawing on Sunday from 6-6:45 p.m. Click here to download the Safari Guide.
The Alaska Watchman will have a festival booth that includes newly designed Watchman t-shirts and bumper stickers. Publisher Jake Libbey and Editor-in-Chief Joel Davidson will alternate manning the booth and look forward to meeting Alaskans during the festival.
Organizers have taken steps to address COVID-19 concerns. The venue is a 20-acre, open-air site which allows ample space between vendor booths. Hand sanitizing stations will also be located throughout the park, and face masks will be available for anyone who wishes to wear one. Those with symptoms or recent virus exposure are asked to stay home.
Click here to learn more about the Mat-Su Fall Festival.
