Rambles

August is fair season in Alaska. The Tanana Valley State Fair is July 25-Aug. 3. It’s chock full of summer fun, from concerts to a beer pong tournament. It takes place at 1800 College Road in Fairbanks. https://www.tvsfa.org/... Next is the Kenai Peninsula Fair, Aug. 8-10. It draws about 7,000 people per year. https://www.kenaipeninsulafair.com/ … The biggest of them all is the Alaska State Fair, held at the fairgrounds in Palmer from Aug. 15-Sept. 1. It’s the place to see hard-working farm kids and the animals they raised, get delectable fair food, and watch top-notch concerts like the Beach Boys and Dwight Yoakum ... Kenny Lake has a renaissance fair Aug. 16. It kicks off with a dinner and dessert auction at 6 p.m. Aug. 15. Don’t overdo it because the fun run is the next morning at 9 a.m. Events take place at the Kenny Lake Community League Fairground, Mile 7.5 of the New Edgerton Highway… The Anchorage RunFest is Aug. 16-17, which includes a Boston Marathon-qualifying marathon and shorter races as well as a 49-kilometer ultra marathon. … Kodiak also has its rodeo and state fair, Aug. 29-31. … If you’re looking for health-related activity, Anchorage Neighborhood health Center (ANHC) invites community members of all ages to its National health Center Week Open House on Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4951 Business Park Blvd. This free, family-friendly event is a chance to learn more about ANHC’s range of health services, meet the providers and staff, and explore what makes community health centers unique. Attendees can enjoy free blood pressure checks, fun giveaways, and family-friendly activities. Food trucks, snacks, and door prizes will also be available throughout the day...The Kenai Senior Center is having an areawide luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 15. Listen to fascinating stories from the homestead days. RSVP at 907-283-4156. There is a suggested donation of $8 for anyone 60 years or older, and $16 for individuals under age 60....Those looking for something cultural to do in August should head to the Ch'k'iqadi Gallery at the Alaska Native Heritage Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 for a celebration of contemporary Alaska Native art. There are light refreshments and a 10% storewide discount ... If it’s history you’re after, the Alaska Veterans Museum has a free readers’ theater at 2 p.m. Aug. 23. The event celebrates the Black soldiers who built the Alaska section of the Alaska Highway in 1942. The museum is at 411 W. Fourth Ave. 907-677-8802. There are lesson plans for teachers at www.alaskahighwayproject.com

Rambles is compiled from senior center newsletters, websites and reader tips from around the state. Email your Rambles items to editor@seniorvoicealaska.com.