Contributed by Sharon Aubrey
Some fairgoers in Palmer have complained, “There isn’t anything 'new’ at the state fair. It’s the same old rides, food and booths every year.” Well, next year in 2019, there’s going to be a big change!
For the first time, a new booth has been created to promote Alaskan authors and musicians in a collaborative environment. The booth will host traditional Alaskan-themed books like memoirs, and will also contain a wide variety of other genres, ranging from fantasy/sci-fi to poetry, children’s picture books, teens fiction, history, Christian non-fiction and even romance. Avid readers will have the perfect opportunity to discover the depths of Alaska’s gifted writers and be exposed to new characters, stories, anecdotes, tales of Alaskan history and new adventures. The AK Book & Music Booth will also have scheduled events to meet local authors and have books personally signed.
Additionally, Alaskan musicians will be featured. From our rich history of bluegrass to songs trending the national charts by Alaskan artists like Portugal The Man, the unique voice of local musicians are filled with passion and distinction. The state fair offers many stages and excellent opportunities to hear hometown artists, but the new AK Books & Music Booth has an additional personal connection to offer Alaska’s fairgoers.
The booth will have short performances from artists, scheduled times to meet local musicians, provide information for fans on how to connect to the music and even carry albums for sale. The local music events offer a great way for fans to meet these talented artists and have items signed personally. It’s also a positive way for Alaskan musicians to receive feedback and encouragement from their audiences.
In a world where the potential for personal disconnection looms as people communicate by phones, the necessity of face-to-face interactions will always be valuable to any healthy community. Hidden within the diversity of Alaskan cities and villages, our neighbors have a great wealth of knowledge and talents to share. This is why our state fair in Palmer is paramount. It helps us stay connected as a community and provides opportunities to experience new ideas and skills from our fellow Alaskans. Next year, the new AK Books & Music Booth will also provide a platform for us to discover the rich diversity in Alaska’s literature and music too.
We are currently seeking Alaskan authors, illustrators and musicians to participate and have your work featured in the new booth. For more information, please visit www.akbooksandmusic.com.
