Farmers market to Rubber duck races

We always like to visit local Farmers Markets when we travel.   We headed out to the Tanana Farmers Market early Saturday am.  It had all the essentials....produce, food tents and local artisans.    The growing season in Alaska is limited but we bought some local kale and kohlrabi.   While buying an early lunch, the cashier asked if we were going to the Golden Days parade and Rubber Duckie race. Well sure...let's go!

The Golden Days festival goes on for 5 days in Fairbanks.  This festival celebrates Fairbanks Gold Rush history.  Small town parades are so fun, lots of community participation and pride. This parade was no exception.  It featured local school  marching band, bagpipe group, community groups , the hoosegow float complete with fluzies and the famous Felix Pedro along with his pack donkeys. Felix is the Italian immigrant who started the Alaska gold rush in 1902, when he struck gold in the foothills outside Fairbanks.  He is famous for the saying "THERES GOLD IN THEM THERE HILLS".

After the parade there is the famous Rubber Duckie" race.  Over 8000 rubber ducks are dropped into the Chena River where they "race" downstream to the Cushman bridge. We bought our Rubber Duckie ticket hoping to win $10,000.  Unfortunately our duck wasn't a prize winner.  But we did get to visit the Northern most Elks Club in the United States.  So all was not lost.  😂

Farmers markets will continue to be on our travel to do list.  Allows us to mingle with the locals and get all the insider tips.


Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 23, 2017 at 10:32 PM

    Too bad on the rubber duck race, but sounds like you guys got some good inside tips from the locals!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kathy KelseyJuly 24, 2017 at 6:51 AM

    What time does the sun go down in Alaska in the summertime? Just curious......

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FosseOdysseyJuly 24, 2017 at 8:20 AM

      11:15 pm. After a few days you actually get used to it.

      Delete
    2. Kathy KelseyJuly 24, 2017 at 6:48 PM

      Oh my gosh! I bet with all the sunlight there are a ton of vegetables at the Farmer's Markets. I don't think that I could keep up with it if I lived there. Glad you are having so much fun!

      Delete
    3. FosseOdysseyJuly 24, 2017 at 9:52 PM

      It's really a very short growing season unless you have a greenhouse that is heated. so I think you could keep up.

      Delete
  3. ReginaJuly 26, 2017 at 11:40 AM

    Better luck next time....LOL

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sherri FosseJuly 26, 2017 at 11:07 PM

    I had a hard time with it being light so late. Glad you are getting some farmers markets.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FosseOdysseyJuly 27, 2017 at 6:16 PM

      I am getting used to the light. although, the winter darkness doesn't sound easy.

      Delete

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