ALASKA STATE FAIR: End-of-summer bash continues through Monday in Palmer

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  • By Public affairs staff report
PALMER, Alaska --  Celebrating its 75th year, the Alaska State Fair continues through this weekend.
Though many featured events have passed since the fair's Aug. 25 opening, there are still plenty of marquee activities, concerts and performances to enjoy.

Rock band Staind headlines Friday at 7 p.m. and is followed by comedian Gabriel Iglesias, Saturday at 7 p.m.; rock band OneRepublic, Sunday at 6 p.m.; and singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, Monday at 3 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets (not included with fair admission), visit www.alaskastatefair.org/site/concerts.

Children and adventurous adults will enjoy the fair's large amusement park complete with rides and games.

For adults, the Sluicebox features performances by local country favorite Hobo Jim as well as Bill Stevens and the Athabascan Fiddlers.

Quirky contests with a decidedly Alaska flavor include the Alaska State Fair Cabbage Weigh-off, a text messaging contest, the Great Alaska Bear Contest, the Backhoe Rodeo and Alaska's Got Talent.

Also featured through the weekend are a demolition derby, equestrian demonstrations, racing pigs, Alaska Native dancers, Chinese acrobats, an antique tractor pull and Japanese drumming.

Every day, fairgoers may enjoy live performances, a wide variety of food, local crafts and farm exhibits.

For an alternative means of getting to the fair, the Alaska Railroad offers train rides from Anchorage to the fair grounds, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For reservations, call (800) 544-0552.

For more details of fair admissions and show times, visit www.alaskastatefair.org.