GRAND PARADE | CARNIVAL | VENDORS
SLIPPERY SALMON OLYMPICS | 5K
TEDDY BEAR PICNIC | CLASSIC CAR SHOW COMMUNITY AWARDS | HUMAN FOOSBALL
ALASKA AIRLINES RAFFLE | & MORE!
39th Annual Bear Paw Festival
CUGIAK-EAGLE RIVER, AK
see website for up-to-date hours and information
Justin Moore to bring Country Hits to the 2024 Fair. Tickets on sale to general public Friday, May 24, 10 a.m. AKST. Palmer, Alaska, Multi-platinum hitmaker Justin Moore will bring his traditional country sound to the Alaska State Fair, performing Saturday, August 17, at 7 p.m. at the Borealis Theatre as part of the 2024 ConocoPhillips Alaska Concert Series. Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday, May 24, at 10 a.m. AKST on the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org.
The Arkansas-native just notched his 12th #1 with “You, Me, and Whiskey,” a smoldering duet with Priscilla Block, and released his latest single, “This Is My Dirt.” Other #1 hits over his 10+ year career includes “Point at You,” “Lettin’ The Night Roll,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Small Town USA” and “Till My Last Day,” as well as platinum-certified albums and singles. The Valory Music Co. recording artist has also earned multiple ACM, ACA, People’s Choice, and ACC Awards nominations, as well as an ACM Award win.
In addition to multiple festivals, headline shows and select direct-support dates, Moore has also been busy hosting his Justin Moore Podcast, interviewing guests such as Oscar award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, and country stars Tracy Lawrence, Jon Pardi and Brantley Gilbert.
Tickets to see Moore perform go on sale starting at 10 a.m. AKST tomorrow, Friday, May 24, on the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org, joining the previously announced concerts featuring Oliver Anthony, Whiskey Myers, Mt. Joy, Kolohe Kai, Ludacris, Stephen Sanchez, NEEDTOBREATHE, Wynonna Judd, Halestorm, Theory of a Deadman and Straight No Chaser.
Concert-goers have the option to purchase concert-only tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The included admission is at a discounted price and is good for the day of the concert only. Concert tickets, including Fair admission must be purchased by August 15. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply to all online concert ticket purchases. Visit alaskastatefair.org for additional information on this act and upcoming concert announcements. For more information, contact Melissa Keefe, director of marketing and communications, at mk@alaskastatefair.org.
Contributed by Holly Gittlein
Are you an artist wanting to showcase and share your talent and creativity? We need you!
MY House is looking for enthusiastic artists to join our week-long 2024 Art & Nature Camp July 22-26 in Wasilla. You will be joining artist Holly Gittlein, naturalist Laurie Thorpe, and up to 15 young adults for a week of inspiration and creation.
This year’s theme is “Pure Vision – Letting the Light in”.
Daily activities will include Qi Gong, learning how the universe works, creating a community art mural at Wonderland Park in Wasilla, and exploring natural areas in the region.
Your participation will involve sharing your unique artistic talents and experiences with day campers.
If you are interested in showcasing your skills and artistic expressions via this fantastic opportunity, please contact Holly Gittlein: holly@ hollygittlein.com or call (907) 841-4174 by July 1, 2024.
Contributed by Rowan Holmes Alaska Junior Theater
Alaska Junior Theater’s Annual Benefit Garage Sale is coming back again at the end of June! Donate your gently used Items now!
Alaska Junior Theater has so much great stuff we don’t know what to do with it all! That’s where you come in—we want our amazing stuff to become your new amazing treasures!
Saturday, June 29th, July 6th, and July 13th from 8am to 4pm -- Stop by our HUGE Annual Benefit Garage Sale and check out the fantastic deals on outof-this-world stuff! We have lots of furniture, tools, party supplies, clothing, games, home goods, books and so much more. You name it, we probably have it!
Look for us in the Midtown off 36th & Latouche and follow the signs. We have a full two-car garage and six tents filled with treasures and more still being donated every day.
All proceeds go towards busing to the theater, scholarships for low-income children, and helping us to bring excellent educational (and fun!) live theatre to Alaska. Check out our new 2024-2025 “Bold, Bright & Breathtaking” Season on our website: www.akjt.org.
Alaska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization that has been bringing the best in professional theater from around the world to Alaska’s young audiences since 1981. Each year, more than 35,000 students attend a variety of live performances, which share the common educational goal of “bringing learning to life.”
Contributed by Glacier Tunes
For many students, AJT’s school-time presentations are their only exposure to the performing arts.
All money raised will be used to help support our Alaska Junior Theater’s mission to bringing professional family theater productions to Anchorage. Incredible Stuff – Unbelievable deals – Amazing Cause. Don’t Miss Out on Alaska Junior Theater’s Huge Annual Garage Sale Saturday, June 29th, July 6th, and July 13th in Anchorage.
breathtaking journey to the venue. There was also a shuttle available from Palmer, courtesy of Alaska Limousine.
On Sunday, June 16th, 2024, an unforgettable musical experience took place as we brought together the beauty of nature and the power of music in a one-of-a-kind concert event. “Rhythms & Blue Ice” featured Hope Cassity along with Ken Peltier, with special guests Mark Lonsway and Adam Stewart – all set against the stunning backdrop of Matanuska Glacier. Tickets were available at www.glaciertunes.com. This historic event was unlike anything ever done before. With only 30 tickets available, this exclusive concert offered an intimate and extraordinary adventure. Each ticket included round-trip transportation to the glacier via helicopter, ensuring a
This legendary performance on the glacier was a celebration of life, strength, and the beauty of overcoming challenges. Inspired by the courage of independent artist Hope Cassity, who faced cancer head-on, we hosted a unique gathering on the majestic Matanuska Glacier.
For more information on Hope Cassity’s Alaskan tour, visit www.hopecassity.com. This event was brought to you in part by Northern Media, Sheep Mountain Lodge, Hall’s Autobody, Heli Alaska, BMW of Anchorage, and many more!
ADDRESS
Contributed by David
Stearns
Ninilchik, AK - Salmonfest returns this August 2-4 at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds and ARCHES Amphitheater. 2024 headliners include Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Devil Makes Three, Dawes, Australian sensation The Cat Empire, Kitchen Dwellers, rising folk star Hayley Heynderickx and festival favorite LowDown Brass Band. Top Alaskan acts include Super Saturated Sugar Strings, H3, Hope Social Club and Black Water Railroad Co.
Tickets, camping and the full lineup are available now at www.salmonfestalaska.org. Four stages, 60 bands, 100+ vendors, Salmon Causeway and a daily kids program so the adults can play too. Children under 6 are FREE! Headline performances will be sign language accessible with on stage translation.
Salmonfest is known for identifying up and coming artists and this year we’re excited to showcase national touring acts High Step Society, Glitterfox, Chatham Rabbits, Boot Juice and Megan Hamilton.
Salmonfest remains committed to protecting wild salmon and its habitat in Bristol Bay and throughout Alaska. Since 2015, Salmonfest has donated over $250,000 to salmon and water related initiatives. Major beneficiaries include United Tribes of Bristol Bay, ARCHES Alaska, Kachemak Bay Conservation Society, Cook Inletkeeper and the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds. Salmonfest also contributes smaller amounts to dozens of organizations including Bristol Bay Heritage Land Trust, Pier 1 Theater, Ninilchik Senior Center, Ninilchik Library, Ninilchik EMS, Alaska Literacy Program, Homer Youth Orchestra, Way Out Women, Sudan Clean Water Project, SKP Opioid Task Force, Stand for Salmon, Catch 49, KBBI, Fairbanks Children’s Museum, Anchorage Museum, Soldotna Chamber of Commerce and more.
Salmonfest, in partnership with ARCHES Alaska, funds and operates the Ninilchik Food Pantry, a weekly service providing food and resources to those in need on the southern Kenai Peninsula. Pickups happen Mondays at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds.
O’ THE CLANS, BIRDS OF PREY, KILTED MILE, SCOTCH, MEAD AND BOURBON TASTING, TEA TENT, SALMON TOSSING, HIGHLAND COO, TUG-OF-WAR,
CELTIC MARKETPLACE AND FOOD TRUCKS, HISTORICAL DEMONSTRATIONS, SHORTBREAD BAKING COMPETITION, LIVE MUSIC, SCOTTISH STRONGMAN, HAGGIS EATING CONTEST, MIDNIGHT SUN SPURTLE CHALLENGE, CHILDREN’S EVENTS AND MORE!)
BAGPIPES, HEAVY ATHLETICS, HIGHLAND DANCE, DRUMMING, GATHERING
O’ THE CLANS, BIRDS OF PREY, KILTED MILE, SCOTCH, MEAD AND BOURBON TASTING, TEA TENT, SALMON TOSSING, HIGHLAND COO, TUG-OF-WAR, CELTIC MARKETPLACE AND FOOD TRUCKS, HISTORICAL DEMONSTRATIONS, SHORTBREAD BAKING COMPETITION, LIVE MUSIC, SCOTTISH STRONGMAN, HAGGIS EATING CONTEST, MIDNIGHT SUN SPURTLE CHALLENGE, CHILDREN’S EVENTS AND MORE!) BAGPIPES, HEAVY ATHLETICS, HIGHLAND DANCE, DRUMMING, GATHERING O’ THE CLANS, BIRDS OF PREY, KILTED MILE, SCOTCH, BAGPIPES, HEAVY ATHLETICS, HIGHLAND DANCE, DRUMMING, GATHERING
JUNE 29th & 30th SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Syr p Ally The Piper p Harp Twins FEATURING Volfgang Twins
GAMES • MEAD & SCOTCH TASTING • LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT GATES OPEN AT 8AM
OVER 150 MERCHANTS & FOOD TRUCKS!
GATHERING O’ THE CLANS - PARTICIPATING CLANS:
Alaska Scottish Strongman/Strongwoman (Scottish Strength Field) Sponsored by Arctic Chiropractic
The
SATURDAY @ 11AM
SATURDAY @ 3:15PM
SUNDAY @ 11:15AM
SUNDAY @ 3PM
SATURDAY @ 12:30PM
SATURDAY @ 4:30PM
SUNDAY @ 10AM
SUNDAY @ 1:45PM
SATURDAY @ 2PM
SATURDAY @ 5PM
SUNDAY @ 12:30PM
SUNDAY @ 4:15PM
Amarissa Handy – USA: Known as "The Clydesdale," Amarissa hails from Tucson, AZ, and is a Registered Dietitian with 12 years of throwing experience. She has placed third at the Women's World Championships for the past two years and holds the record for the furthest open/Braemar stone throws in over a decade. Representing Clan Ross, Amarissa brings her favorite event, the stones, and her spirited enthusiasm to Alaska.
Elissa Van Vleck – USA: "The Haitian Sensation" from Fort Worth, TX, is a fourth-grade teacher with a decorated 10-year Highland Games career, including world records in the sheaf and spinning weight over bar events. Elissa, a former Women's World Champion, looks forward to experiencing Alaska's wildlife while representing Clan Stewart.
Emily Adams – USA: Nicknamed "Sunshine," Emily is a Product Engineer from Chicago, IL. With nine years of competition under her belt, she holds world records in the sheaf toss and USATF Masters American records in weight throws. Emily’s vibrant personality and love for the sport are sure to light up the games.
Kristine Rothwell – USA: Known on Instagram as “Kristeenie Weenie,” Kristine is a dairy goat farmer and coach from Coeur D’Alene, ID. With six years of competition and multiple top finishes at Worlds, she represents a blend of strength and charm, eager to discover Alaska's breathtaking scenery.
Meagan McKee – USA: "Megatron" from San Jose, CA, is a high school teacher and a four-time Women's World Champion. Known for her prowess in the hammer events, she is excited about the Salmon Toss and experiencing Alaska for the first time.
Hannah Linzay – USA: Known as "Swampy," Hannah is a professional strongman from Cheneyville, LA. Notable titles including IHGF Stones of Strength World Champion, Hannah is eager to take on the challenge events, bringing her formidable strength to the Highland Games for the first time in Alaska.
Sian Cooper – Australia: "She Bulk" is the reigning Australian Champion with multiple national records. This ophthalmic device specialist from South Australia is thrilled to compete in Alaska and make new connections while representing Clan Stewart.
Susie Lajoie – Canada: "Sooze" is a strength and conditioning coach from Nova Scotia, known for her Canadian records in HWFD and hammers. With her unique background and experience, Susie looks forward to cheering on fellow competitors and exploring Denali State Park.
Jamesia Milton – USA: "Mesia," a Case Manager from Duncan, OK, holds world records in the Light Weight for distance and is the 2022 amateur women’s world champion. Competing for Clan Reynolds, she is excited to witness Alaska's stunning views and vibrant culture.
Jessica Bridenthal – USA: Jess, from Hillsdale, MI, is an associate head coach and a former world champion. She has a strong presence in the Highland Games community and is looking forward to competing and exploring Alaska.
