From Booth to Community Table: 2025 Alaska State Fair Highlights

The Alaska State Fair reminded us why we do this. From first gate click to last sunset, it was neighbors greeting neighbors, kids tugging parents for samples, and a steady chorus of “Wait…this is made here?” Our booth felt like a mini version of “Alaska feeds Alaska.” Folks came curious and left connected—to our growers, to our team, and to the idea that resilient food systems can taste ridiculously good.

The runaway favorite was our freeze-dried Yukon Gold mashed potatoes—just potatoes, cream, butter, salt, and pepper. People tried a spoonful, blinked, and said, “That tastes like my grandma’s.” We also got to share how it all comes together: Alaska-grown harvests, then 49th Farms manufacturing with Parker equipment to make pantry-ready foods that work from Anchorage to the bush.

Best of all were your stories—coaches stocking up for away games, elders planning winter staples, teachers looking for classroom-friendly foods, chefs sketching stress-free holiday menus. Over and over, the theme was the same: convenience is great, but community is better—and when you can have both, you’ve got something special.

If you missed us (or already need more), our freeze-dried Yukon Gold mashed Potatoes are on presale now so you can roll into fall and the holidays with a confident pantry. Retailers, cafés, schools, and programs: we’re lining up wholesale placements statewide and can share specs, cases, pallets, and timelines.

Thank you to the farmers, volunteers, vendors, and every fair-goer who stopped by, brought a friend, or shared a recipe. We’ll keep doing our part—grow with Alaska partners, make with care at 49th Farms, and deliver what your family actually eats. Same time next year? Fork yeah.