The 2022 Alaska State Fair will be held from August 18–September 4, 2023.
We Can’t Wait to See You There
Every year at the Alaska State Fair, various turners in the Alaska Woodturners Association demonstrate the art of wood turning. During this time, the volunteer turners turn all sorts of items such as weed pots, bottle stoppers, small bowls, spinning tops and an assortment of other items. Most of these items are then given away to fair goers from the small child to the Senior Citizen.
Thousands of people within our communities will enjoy the woodturning demonstrations we provide. This is an excellent opportunity to educate our community about the art of woodturning and inspire others.
Woodturning Demonstrators must have taken the introduction to woodturning classes from the Alaska Woodturners Association or have comparable prior experience. You do not have to be a “Master Turner” to be a demonstrator. The Alaska State Fair is a chance to showcase your skills and pick up some tips from our more experienced woodturners. This venue is a great event to get publicity and attract new members for the Alaska Woodturners Association. Demonstrators must be a member of Alaska Woodturners Association, Inc. This ensures you are covered by our insurance policy with the American Association of Woodturners while you are demonstrating on behalf of the club. Please ensure your membership is current. We encourage membership in the American Association of Woodturners as well because membership there includes additional general liability insurance coverage. The club provides lathes, spur centers, revolving centers, and chucks. Demonstrators need to bring their tools, and project wood. Demonstrators MUST wear a face shield while demonstrating. Bowl Blanks will be available if you would like to rough turn some Bowls for Beans Cafe. Each demonstrator volunteer will receive one admission and parking ticket for each day of the fair they volunteer for. These tickets will be available at the “Will Call” booth at the Green Gate located on the Palmer Highway at the train station in front of the fairgrounds. Contact Chris Remick if you have any questions.
Demonstrators are encouraged to turn whatever project they like, and to promote safe practices while turning. To sign up to be a Demonstrator click here.
Benefits to demonstrators:
- Turn with other turners, ask for woodturning tips give them if you think they are helpful.
- It’s nice to draw a crowd, and when you do, you know you’re doing something that really interests them.
- Free parking and fair entry for the demonstrator.
- Get a pat on the back for being an involved club member.
You may give projects away to fair goers or keep them, the choice is yours. (We do ask you do not give away the green bowl blanks.)