Blake Allen stepped into the role of CEO of the Alaska State Fair in May. He described his first weeks as “drinking from a fire hose.” He was learning about all the moving parts in Alaska’s largest annual event.
Allen doesn’t plan to make any changes at this time. He wants to observe how the fair operates and build on the successes of his predecessor Jeff Curtis.
He brings experience managing large stadiums, arenas, and major public events. He has focused on crowd movement, safety, and customer experience. He says those skills will help the fair continue its mission of educating, entertaining, and providing a safe gathering place for Alaskans.
The fair welcomed more than 380,000 visitors last year. Allen says moving large crowds safely remains the top priority for the fair. He doesn’t plan for traffic changes this year. He will evaluate parking, traffic flow, and pedestrian movement before considering future improvements.
Free parking will continue. It allows visitors to spend more of their money enjoying the fair instead of paying to park. And it gets folks into the fair faster.
Allen confirmed that plans are in the works to renovate the outdoor concert venue after the fair ends this year. Proposed improvements include better seating, upgraded restrooms, and enhanced backstage facilities to improve the experience for both audiences and performers. Final approval rests with the fair board of directors.
The 2026 concert lineup is generating a lot of interest. At least one show has sold out. Allen encourages fairgoers to purchase tickets early through the Alaska State Fair website. He advises concert goers to ensure their tickets are valid by avoiding third-party sellers
Concert goers will see improved entry into the grandstand area. This includes the possible addition of another entrance gate to reduce wait times.
This year’s fair will feature familiar favorites like Monster Trucks, the Demo Derby and the concerts. New attractions include Cretaceous Kingdom, an animatronic dinosaur exhibit, and the return of Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel.
The exciting new attraction is the largest drone light show in Alaska. Hundreds of synchronized drones will create animated images in the night sky, including Alaska State Fair-themed displays. It is scheduled for the final weekend of the fair.
Allen highlighted the Fair’s growing role as a year-round community venue. The Fairgrounds hosts events such as the Alaska Scottish Highland Games, the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, weddings, and numerous community events. The new event center near the Purple Gate provides expanded restroom facilities and meeting space throughout the year.
The Alaska State Fair celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. It runs from August 21 through September 7. Gates will open at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. The fair will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays again this year. Tickets are at alaskastatefair.org.
Allen says whether the weather is sunny or rainy, he expects Alaskans to come together once again to celebrate one of the state’s most treasured traditions.
The full interview with Fair CEO Blake Allen is on bigcaggbageradio.org in Valley Edition under podcasts.
Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.
Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.
Please support Page 2 News and Big Cabbage Radio. Become a member: Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.
This Page Two article was reported by Mike Chmielewski and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday July 6, 2026.
Image by Lee Henrikson: Mike Chmielewski, Fair CEO Blake Allen, and Fair Board President Jason Ortiz