The Southeast Alaska State Fair kicks off in Haines

Elizabeth, 13, Louis, 9, Mary, 7, Anastasia, 3 and Ella, 6, got cotton candy first thing after arriving at the fair (Corinne Smith/KHNS)

The Southeast Alaska State Fair kicked off Thursday, with visitors and Haines residents gathering for a weekend of music, food, local wares and many other traditions. As KHNS’ Corinne Smith reports, there’s concern about COVID risks, mixed with a palpable excitement that the region’s fair is back after a year hiatus due to the global pandemic.

The Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds are buzzing with activity Thursday just before the official opening at noon, with vendors and staff gearing up for a weekend of events. Pete Redshaw plays the guitar for a soundcheck at the Parks Stage. Nearby, professional strongwoman from Oregon Tera “Supernova” Zarra is warming up, doing the splits. It’s her second year performing in Haines, and after her flight was canceled, is happy she made it by sea.

“Really grateful, the moment I made it on the ferry, then I knew okay, I think this is actually going to happen. This dream might become real,” Zarra said.

Zarra is performing Friday at 6pm, and Saturday at 5pm, and consist of breaking things: bending steel and cracking concrete blocks over her body. She says her acts are about inspiration, empowerment, and connection to the human body.

Tera Supernova Zarra will be performing on Friday at 5pm, and Saturday at 6pm, and will also be giving a circus fitness workshop at 12 noon on Saturday (Corinne Smith/KHNS)

“To see what we’re capable of, what people can do. We have this one precious thing, and it can be so vulnerable, and it can be so powerful.”

This year, there will be four days of music and performances on two stages, food, and open-air vendors throughout the fairgrounds. There’s also arts and crafts, carnival games, and a classic ferris wheel and refurbished merry-go-round. Inside the barn, locals showcase just a few animals – ducks, bunnies, one horse, and a pig named Odin.

Two more shiny black and white goats arrive for the weekend, led by siblings Bear, age 13, and Ella Scott who is eight years old. They raised the goats, Payton and Polymer, since they were young.

“Polymer is just like my brother,” Ella said. “But I say sometimes he’s my baby.”

Ella Scott, age 8, and her goat Polymer

The family is back in town for the first time in almost eight months, after evacuating the deadly December storms. Their mom, Candice Mustard-Scott says they’re excited to be back in Haines and the kids look forward to seeing their friends again at the fair.

“I’m so grateful it’s here,” Mustard-Scott said. “Not only does the community need it but everyone needs to get out and enjoy themselves.”

Fair staff and volunteers wear masks, as do many older fair goers. The fair is supplying masks, hand-washing stations and recommending people maintain social distance to reduce COVID risks. And there is plenty of room to spread out, with seating options around the fairgrounds.

Haines resident Rachel Deehan is setting up a portrait photography booth, and says she’s optimistic things will go smoothly.

“I’m not super worried, I’m vaccinated. And I have my mask. Laugh. I know, but yeah, it’s something everyone’s worried about.”

Over in the food court, Gary Jacobsen is grilling up corn on the barbecue with the Ugly’s of Haines.

“We’re doing pulled pork, and corn on the cob, and red flavored squishes…it’s a slushy drink, we just call them squishes.” Suddenly the kitchen crew yells “CORN!” And a group of kids nearby echo, “corn!”