Pauline Hofseth's Anchorage Real Estate Blog

Anchorage Festival of Flowers 2013

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:18:13 -0700

Spring is in the air. The birds are chirping and the flowers are blossoming. It's time for the Anchorage Festival of Flowers 2013!

On Saturday, June 1st, 2013, Town Square Park in Anchorage will be holding its annual Festival of Flowers from 11am to 6pm. This free community festival turns Anchorage into the "City of Flowers" for at least one day this year. Master gardeners will be on hand to impart their gardening wisdom to the masses. Find out how you can create a visual masterpiece with your own home flower garden. You can purchase buds to bring home and plant for yourself.

In addition to the blossom bonanza, attendees will enjoy live musical entertainment, have the opportunity to partake in a VIP wine tasting, view artwork by local Anchorage artists and visit the wine and beer garden. Of course, there will also be plenty of food available from local vendors. Admission to the festival is absolutely free.

Make plans to attend the Anchorage Festival of Flowers on Saturday, June 1st. Pick up some tips on how to cultivate your own home garden. Kids will even receive free flowers to take home for themselves.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Free Dump Day

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:47:11 -0700

Many people use the fresh air of Spring as inspiration to clear out the clutter in their Anchorage homes. But, what do you do with that old stuff that won't be collected during your regular curbside pickup? If it's less than 1000 pounds, you can bring it to the Anchorage Free Dump Day this Saturday, May 11th, 2013.

Anchorage Regional Landfill and the Girdwood Transfer Station will be open for all Anchorage residents to drop one load for free at their facilities during regular operating hours (8am to 5pm for ARL and 10am to 5pm for GTS). All loads must be covered or secured and consist strictly of residential refuse. Commercial customers will be handled separately. Unsecured loads are subject to a $10 fine. The loads must be dropped off in a regular car, standard pickup or trailer. They cannot exceed eight feet long, five feet wide or three feet high. Children under 14 and all pets must remain in the vehicle at all times.

If any Anchorage resident wishes to drop off more than one load (for example, a truck plus trailer), they will have to pay a fee per ton. There will also be a tonnage fee due for any homeowner construction or demolition debris. Refrigerators and freezers will be accepted for a $20 fee. If you would rather not wait in the line to dump for free, Anchorage residents can opt to pay a $16 per load fee. The landfills will accept cash and local checks only for payment of any fees due on the day of dumping, so be prepared.

For more information, please call 343-6262 or visit the City of Anchorage website here. If you've been busy Spring cleaning your home, get rid of the clutter at the Anchorage Free Dump Day this Saturday, May 11th, 2013.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Kids Day

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:19:51 -0700

Our community believes in fulfilling the Five Promises to its youth: offering supportive, caring relationships with adults, providing a safe place for interaction with other kids, making health services accessible to all ages, implementing an effective curriculum for an optimum education and giving children the opportunity to help others in the Anchorage community. It is believed that these Five Promises will ensure that the children of today become productive and caring members of society in the future. One way to encourage the adoption of the Five Promises is through Anchorage Kids Day.

This Saturday, April 20, 2013, Anchorage's Promise will be hosting it's 30th Annual Kids Day at the Dena'ina Convention Center from 10am to 4pm. Included in this day long free event will be live music and entertainment from local Anchorage kids groups. More than 70 local organizations that serve the youth of our community will be on hand to provide information on services and programs available for Anchorage kids and their families. Mike Thaler, author of the popular Black Lagoon books, will also be on-site from 12pm to 2pm. Last year, more than 18,000 people came to celebrate Kids Day.

Anyone with children in the Anchorage area should consider coming to the Anchorage Kids Day. Find out what programs are available to help your child learn how to become a caring individual in a safe environment. After all, the children we are taking care of today will be our caretakers one day.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Free Tax Prep

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:19:56 -0700

The deadline to file your 2012 income taxes is quickly approaching. In fact, April 15th is less than two weeks away. If you are one of the millions of people that wait until the last minute to file, desperately clamoring to find all your receipts, there's no need to worry. Anchorage citizens can get their taxes prepared absolutely free!

This Saturday, April 6th, several IRS-certified volunteers will be available at the Crosspoint Community Church to help any Anchorage resident with their tax paperwork. From 10am to 4pm, the public is welcome to attend this Super Saturday event which will include community resource and financial information booths. Workshops will also be conducted throughout the day. These include:

Estate Planning
Financial Aid for School
Using Your Tax Refund to Jump Start a Home Purchase
When Your Income Decreased But the Bills Don't

Bring the children along with you. There will be kid-friendly activities available to keep them busy while you attend to your taxes. Snacks and door prizes will also be given away throughout the day. Just call 2-1-1 to find out exactly what you need to bring so that the volunteers can prepare your state and federal taxes with the most accuracy in a timely manner. To learn more about the free tax prep services in Anchorage, please visit the Free Tax Preparation in Anchorage website here.

Don't keep Uncle Sam waiting too long. Get your taxes prepared for free in Anchorage this Saturday, April 6th. Consider attending one of the free workshops as well so you can get your financial orders on track.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Eggstravaganza

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:13:42 -0700

Easter is almost here! But you don't have to wait until Easter Sunday to have fun. Enjoy an Anchorage Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Kincaid Park Chalet (9401 Raspberry Rd).

Bunny hop your way into the season as we celebrate the early spring. Visitors are invited to participate in creating spring-themed arts and crafts. Plenty of fun outdoor games are scheduled for all ages. Lots of bunnies will be on hand. And what would an Anchorage Eggstravaganza be without an egg hunt?! Children will be split up into two age brackets (3-5 years old and 6-12 years old) for three separate egg hunts. The schedule for the Easter Egg Hunt is as follows:

1st Hunt: 1pm
2nd Hunt: 2pm
3rd Hunt: 3pm

Spots for the egg hunts are limited. Pre-registration is not required, but strongly recommended if you want your child to participate. You can pre-register by calling 343-4130 or 343-4160. The cost to participate in the hunt is just $5 per child if you pre-register and $10 per child on the day of the event.

Celebrate Easter a day early. Come to the Anchorage Eggstravaganza at the Kincaid Park Chalet on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Your kids can get some practice searching for the colorful eggs and you can enjoy a spring day outside. That sounds like fun!

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Empty Bowl Project

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:50:52 -0800

Anchorage is tackling hunger one bowl at a time. The Anchorage Clay Arts Guild is hosting the Anchorage Empty Bowl Project, their annual fundraiser for local soup kitchen Beans Cafe. This is your chance to warm your tummy and feed others in the process.

Beans Cafe began in 1979 when Lynn Ballew realized her dream of creating a safe, peaceful place for Anchorage's homeless to find a warm meal, hot shower and cool company. This is the 19th year the Empty Bowl Project has been in existence. Attendees purchase a handmade ceramic bowl that they get to fill with yummy hot soups and cornbread prepared by Beans Cafe.

The Anchorage Empty Bowl Project's annual fundraiser takes place Saturday, March 9th, 2013 at the William A Eagan Civic and Convention Center from 11am to 2pm. Tickets are sold out, but a limited supply will be made available at the door. So make sure you get there early. The cost is just $25 each. You get to choose which handmade ceramic bowl you would like to use and take home with you. There will also be a silent auction and a chance to bid on other handmade clay and glass pieces. More than 2000 people are expected to attend.

Fill up on true "soul food" at the Anchorage Empty Bowl Project fundraiser. Help Beans Cafe continue doing the great work they have done for the Anchorage community for more than 30 years. While your hunger is satisfied, your heart will be warm with the knowledge that many other less fortunate Anchorage citizens will be able to eat as well.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Sled Dog Races

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:52:56 -0800

Alaska is known for many things: snow, beautiful surroundings, the Northern Lights and its Huskies. Two of these things are combined this weekend with the Anchorage Sled Dog Races. Downtown Anchorage will be filled with the running paws and howling "Yaws" of mushers as the World Championship Sled Dog Races race through.

Beginning at noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (February 22nd, 23rd and 24th), sled dog teams from all over Alaska, Canada and the lower 48 will compete in this ASDRA (Alaskan Sled Dog & Racing Association) sanctioned event. You'll quickly see why this has continually been voted as the "Best Event" by the International Sled Dog Racing Association. Watch as hundreds of dogs show off their athletic prowess along 4th Avenue and D Street in Downtown Anchorage.

There are several places along the Downtown Anchorage route from which to view the excitement. Six of the best places are as follows:

Downtown Anchorage Bleachers - Located at 4th Ave and D St. Parking gets congested, so come early.
Cordova St & 16th Ave
Woodside Park & East 20th Ave
Goose Lake Park/University Ave
Tudor Rd - Easy to get to, plenty of parking
Campbell Airstrip Rd

If you can't make it to the races in person, KHAR 590AM will be broadcasting the races live every day beginning at noon. Cheer on these canine contenders as they race through the Downtown streets at the Anchorage Sled Dog Races. You're sure to get caught up in all the frenzy and will definitely be impressed by the athletic prowess these doggy competitors show off.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Fur Rondy 2013

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:33:22 -0800

Every February, the streets of downtown Anchorage are alive in celebration of a decades old tradition known as the Fur Rondy. In its 77th year, the Anchorage Fur Rondy takes place this year from February 22nd to March 3rd, 2013. What started out as a way to break up the doldrums of harsh Alaska winters in 1935 has turned into an internationally renowned event.

Throughout this 10 day event, Anchorage residents and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in several events. These include:

Alaska Hold'em - March 2 at 4pm
Amateur Photo Contest - February 22-March 3
Frostbite Footrace - February 23 at 9:30am
Hockey Tournament - March 1 from 6pm to 10pm, March 2 from 12pm to 7pm and March 3 from 12pm to 6pm
Outhouse Races - February 23 at 4pm
Snow Sculpture Contest - February 22-March 3, 10am to 10pm
Yukigassen (think "capture the flag", paint ball and snowball fights all wrapped up into one event) - February 23 & 24, 8:30am to 8pm
WC Sled Dog Races - February 22, 23 & 24 at 12pm each day

For a full schedule of events, times and places for the Anchorage Fur Rondy 2013, please click here. Of course, you're not going to want to miss the Running of the Reindeer on March 2nd at 4pm. It's just like Pamplona's running of the bulls except with reindeer...through the snow...with runners dressed up in funny costumes. It's also Rondy's way of raising money for Toys for Tots. Anyone ages 18+ are welcome to sign up. Your $25 entrance fee also gets you a commemorative T-shirt.

Celebrate one of Alaska's favorite traditions at the Anchorage Fur Rondy 2013. It's fun for the entire family and continues to be a fantastic way to get out of the house, away from the video games and TV sets and experience the best that Anchorage has to offer.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Beer and Barley Wine Festival

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:49:41 -0800

Sometimes there's nothing better than washing down a good meal with a great beer. Do you like a pale ale, a good stout or a barley wine? Expand your knowledge of suds at the Anchorage Beer and Barley Wine Festival this weekend, January 18th and 19th.

The Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival takes place at the Egan Civic and Convention Center. This festival features beer from all over the great Northwest, with a particular concentration on Alaska beers and barley wines. Samples will be available for all interested attendees who are 21 years or older with a valid photo ID. This weekend's special guest is Steven Pauwels, Brewmaster with the Boulevard Brewing Co. He'll be discussing how to create your own brew blends at home.

If you have only drank Budweiser or Miller, the Anchorage Beer and Barley Wine Festival is the perfect opportunity to try a local ale, lager or other specialty beer. Put your taste buds to work. Experience the best brews the great Northwest has to offer.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Free Shot Clinic

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 10:31:33 -0800

Welcome to the new year. If one of your resolutions is to make your family healthier this year, you can start this Saturday at the Anchorage free shot clinic. Providence Alaska Medical Center (3200 Providence Dr) is offering a free immunization clinic for kids from infancy to 18 years old.

Beginning at 10am and continuing through 1pm, bring your child and their immunization records to the Providence Alaska Medical Center to make sure they are up to date on their shots, including boosters. This is a service that the medical center provides on the first Saturday of every month. If you don't remember the last time you got a tetanus shot, you may want to get another one while your children get their immunizations done. These are also offered free at the monthly clinic. No appointment is necessary. Just take Elevator A up to Suite 351 on the third floor to attend this free walk-in clinic.

Keep your family healthy this year. Take them to the free shot clinic this Saturday, January 5th at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. Make sure you bring your child's immunization records so they can be updated. If you miss this Saturday's clinic, you will have another opportunity next month since they are held the first Saturday of every month throughout the year.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Ski Free Day

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:49:29 -0800

Are you a skier? Do you love the wind in your hair as you race down the ski slopes? We have some amazing skiing here in Alaska. Luckily, if you love the slopes, you can take advantage of Anchorage's Ski Free Day at one of the area's best resorts.

The Alyeska Resort is offering a free ski day on Monday, December 24th. The only catch is that you have to dress like the jolly old elf himself...Santa Claus. Wear a Santa hat, beard, jacket and pants and the resort will let you ski for free all day. Just drop by the Alyeska ticket office in full Santa gear to pick up your day pass. Can you imagine it? A whole mountain full of Santas in Anchorage. How awesome is that? The ticket is good for skiing from 10:30am to 5:30pm on Christmas Eve only. Reservations are highly recommended. You can visit the Alyeska Resort website to make a reservation online or call toll-free at (800) 880-3880.

Dig out your Santa hat, put a beard on your face and pull on your red snow pants and jacket. Dress up like Santa and Alyeska Resort will give you a free day of skiing on their mountains above Anchorage. Happy holidays, everyone!

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Tree Lighting

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:11:04 -0800

Christmas Day is just three weeks away. Are you ready to kick off the holiday season? If so, come to the Anchorage tree lighting ceremony this Friday, December 7th.

Beginning at 5:30pm, the downtown Eagle River Commons area will become a winter wonderland filled with live music from local elementary school choirs, Santa and his reindeer and free horse-drawn sleigh rides. There will be plenty of free giveaways to attendees during the festivities. The Anchorage tree lighting ceremony itself will take place at 7pm. All guests are asked to bring canned goods and/or unwrapped presents for the Eagle River Food Pantry and the Sleeping Lady Lions. The Sleeping Lady Lions was founded in 1992. They provide service and aid for the Anchorage community through fundraisers, service projects and volunteering.

Bring the family to downtown Anchorage for the official tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 7th at 5:30pm. Let Santa know what is on your Christmas list, see his reindeer up close and bring food and gifts for those less fortunate in our Anchorage community. It's a great time for everyone.

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Wonderland of Toys

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:09:54 -0800

Remember what it was like on Christmas morning as a kid? You'd wake up early and run to the Christmas tree, look for your name on the tags and try to figure out what was in them before your parents even woke up. It was almost as fun to open the brightly colored gifts as it was to play with what was inside. The Anchorage Museum understands this well. That's why they have transformed their atrium into the Anchorage Wonderland of Toys.

From now through January 13th, the Anchorage Museum will be displaying hundreds of toys for your viewing pleasure. There are toy soldiers from World War I, more than 100 dolls dressed in traditional clothing from various countries around the world and carousel horses as well as the beautifully decorated tree. The oldest toy in the collection is a hand painted wooden Humpty Dumpty circus that dates back to the early 1900s. All this can be accessed with your general admission ticket: $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, students and members of the military with ID, $7 for kids ages 3-12 and free to kids under 3. As always, museum members are absolutely free. For more information, please call (907) 929-9200.

The Anchorage Museum's hours of operation are 10am to 5pm every Tuesday through Saturday and 12pm to 6pm on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays. Bring the family to the Anchorage Museum's Wonderland of Toys anytime between now and January 13th. You don't have to be a kid to feel like one!

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Howl-O-Ween Pet Adoption Fair

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:58:56 -0700

Pets are such a magical addition to any family. They teach children responsibility and provide years of love and loyalty. Unfortunately, too many pets are abandoned every year and end up in animal shelters. These animals need loving homes and families in order to thrive. That's why the Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center (4711 Elmore Rd) will be holding its Anchorage Howl-O-Ween Pet Adoption Fair on Sunday, October 28, 2012 from 12pm to 4pm.

The adoption fair gives your family a chance to visit with shelter dogs, cats and other animals before deciding which one would be a good fit for your Anchorage household. Watch the dogs strut their stuff in the costumed pooch parade. Take your chances with the howl-o-weenie bob. Ask the fortune teller which pet they see coming home with you. Enjoy tasty treats, fun arts and crafts and many more activities planned for the day by the Animal Shelter's volunteers.

Celebrate Adopt a Shelter Animal Month at the Anchorage Howl-O-Ween Pet Adoption Fair on Sunday, October 28, 2012. Save an animal and bring even more love into your home. You will have a friend for life!

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Voter Registration Deadline for Anchorage

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:53:56 -0700

This year's General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. But in order to be able to vote, all American citizens must be registered well beforehand. The voter registration deadline for Anchorage residents is this Sunday, October 7, 2012. Due to the fact that the deadline falls on a Sunday, each Regional Elections Office will have special weekend hours: 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 12pm to 4pm on Sunday.

If you have moved to the Anchorage area since the last election, you need to register in the community you are currently living. For anyone who has moved since the last election, you will need to update your voter registration information in order to cast your vote at the appropriate polling place in your current district on election day. You can download an application here.

In order to be eligible to vote in any Anchorage election, you must be at least 18 years of age on election day, be a United States citizen, be a current resident of Anchorage and not be a convicted felon unless you have been unconditionally discharged. You will need to provide your discharge papers as proof when you register. Your completed application can then be either mailed, faxed or emailed to one of the Elections Offices listed on the second page of the application.

The deadline to register to vote in Anchorage for this November's election is October 7, 2012. Make sure you submit your application soon so you don't miss out on the opportunity to make your voice heard. In addition to the national Presidential election, Anchorage residents will be voting on local measures as well as REAA seat appointments.

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Bonny Sosa Fun Runs in Anchorage

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:10:46 -0700

Beginning last week, the Bonny Sosa Fun Runs in Anchorage have started up again. This annual fall event takes place every Tuesday evening through November 6, 2012 and has become a local Anchorage favorite. A healthy lifestyle waits for no one. So, just like the postman, neither rain nor sleet nor dead of night will keep the Bonny Sosa Tuesday Night Races from happening!

Lifelong Alaska resident Bonny Sosa was a fitness advocate in the community. Her positive attitude and zest for life was infectious. When she died of a sudden brain tumor in 2008, the Tuesday Night Races were dedicated to her memory in legacy of the health lifestyle she advocated.

The Bonny Sosa Tuesday Night Races have quickly become a popular event for Anhorage families as well as other residents of the area. There are three separate routes set up each evening: Munchkin League (1-3K, great for kids and families with strollers or joggers), Farm League (3-10K, perfect for recreational runners) and Lightning League (4-12K, just right for competitive runners). The race courses change every week. In fact, participants won't know exactly what the evening's course entails until just prior to the start of the race. You can register for the race up until 12:30pm on the day of the race. Kids are just $2 per race, adults are $5 and families can register for just $10 per race. Season passes are available for $30 for adults and $60 for families. Check-in starts at 5:30pm, with each Tuesday's race beginning promptly at 6:30pm.

2012 Bonny Sosa Tuesday Night Races Schedule

September 18 - Service High School
September 25 - Kincaid High School
October 2 - Kincaid Park
October 9 - East High School
October 16 - Bartlett High School
October 23 - Service High School
October 30 - Kincaid Park Costume Run
November 6 - Kincaid Outdoor Center - Awards Banquet & Dessert Potluck

Join in on an Alaska tradition. Take on one of the three courses available on a Bonny Sosa Fun Run in Anchorage every Tuesday evening until November 6, 2012. It's a healthy way to spend fun, quality time with the family or just a great way to clear your head at the end of a hectic work day.

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Safe and Sound Fair

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:03:31 -0700

Are you prepared in case of an emergency? Are your children or the people who watch your children while you work ready to act when a disaster strikes? Everyone will have to opportunity to learn at the Anchorage Safe and Sound Fair on Saturday, September 8, 2012. From 11am to 3pm, the Loussac Public Library (3600 Denali St) will host more than 30 hands-on skill stations teaching attendees how to be prepared for and react to natural disasters and emergencies that they may come in contact with during an outdoor adventure in the Anchorage wilderness.

The fair is being sponsored by the Anchorage Emergency Services in partnership with the North America Outdoor Institute, the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services, Alaska Community Share and the Anchorage Public Library. September has been deemed National Preparedness Month. As part of the Anchorage Safe and Sound Fair, participants will learn what should be included in an emergency kit, first aid techniques and climb obstacle courses that mimic skills needed in evacuating from an emergency situation. Local disaster relief crews and protective service agencies will be on hand to offer advise as well as answer questions. You will even learn how to keep your pets safe.

The entire event is provided absolutely free of charge to the public. Make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for emergencies as well as know how to respond in case of an emergency. The Anchorage Safe and Sound Fair is the perfect opportunity to learn these necessary skills.

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Alaska State Fair

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:01:29 -0700

It's almost that time of year again. The Alaska State Fair arrives in the Anchorage area August 23rd through September 3rd in Palmer, AK. This year's fair is sure to be the most exciting ever. With live music, contests, games, amazing exhibits and, of course, fair food, how can you go wrong?

Included in the price of admission to the Alaska State Fair is access to the great pumpkin weigh-off on August 28th, the Alaska Far Away Documentary, Cirque De La Vie (the fair's own version of the world famous Cirque de Soleil), several author events, trick rider shows, a petting zoo, a BMX stunt show, jugglers, lumberjacks, clowns and so much more! On Saturday, August 25th, the Alaska State Fair Parade marches through Downtown Palmer at 11am. Admission for Monday through Thursday is just $11 for adults, $7 for seniors and $7 for kids. Labor Day weekend (Friday through Sunday), admission is $13 for adults, $8 for seniors and $8 for kids at the gate. For an additional fee, you can purchase tickets to see any of the incredible musical and comedy acts coming to the Alaska State Fair. These include:

August 23 - Creed
August 24 - Theory of a Deadman (Modern Hard Rock)
August 25 - Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy
August 26 - Styx
August 27 - Air Supply
August 28 - Jo Dee Messina
August 29 - The Avett Brothers (Folk/Country/Blue Grass/Rock)
August 30 - Jeff Dunham (Comedy)
August 31 - Five Finger Death Punch (Heavy Metal)
September 1 - George Thorogood & the Destroyers
September 2 - Gary Allan (Country)
September 3 - Hot Chelle Rae (Pop/Rock)

To purchase tickets for any of these acts, please visit the Alaska State Fair website. The Alaska State Fair comes to the Anchorage area August 23 through September 3, 2012. You don't want to miss out on all the fun to be had during the entire 12 day event. Get your tickets now!

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Hogs N Hot Rods in Anchorage

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:02:02 -0700

Listen up, gear heads! The House of Harley and Buell will be hosting a Hogs N Hot Rods event in Anchorage on Wednesday, July 25th. Whether you're an owner of a Harley or hot rod or simply an admirer of them, you're welcome to attend this free event.

Everyone who comes to the Hogs N Hot Rods event will be voting on their favorite motorcycle and hot rod. Entrants into the competition will be vying for trophies and prizes. If you own a car or motorcycle you would like to enter into the contest, you will need to pre-register. Spaces are limited, so you need to register your vehicle as soon as possible. Motorcycles, however, will not need to be registered ahead of time.

In addition to the hot rod and Harley contests, there will be plenty of free food, a beer garden for the adults (courtesy of the Woodshed Lounge) and live music performed by Deep Fried Soup. The House of Harley is located at 4334 Spenard Rd in Anchorage. To register your car, please call (907) 248-5300 right away. Come to the Hogs N Hot Rods event in Anchorage on the evening of July 25th for a night of free, family-friendly fun.

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Forest Fair Near Anchorage

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 12:32:18 -0700

This weekend, July 6-8, 2012, the Forest Fair comes to the Anchorage area. Located just 36 miles south of Anchorage, Girdwood is a beautiful resort town that plays host to this fun annual event. Admission to the Forest Fair is absolutely free for the entire family.

The Forest Fair showcases the work of local Alaskan artists, including hand-crafted items and exotic food. The fair's hours are 11am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. The Forest Fair Parade kicks things off Saturday morning at 10am. Everyone is invited to be a part of the parade as long as they keep with the "With Bells On" theme of the parade. Just make sure to bring your float or other entry to the parking lot of the Alyeska Resort Daylodge at 9:30am Saturday morning to register. That's all it takes!

In addition to arts and crafts as well as other handiwork by Alaskan artisans, musical artists from Anchorage and throughout Alaska will be performing live music for your listening pleasure. These artists will be performing on one of three stages throughout the weekend: Marlow Pavillion, the Beach Stage and the Hoppin' Barley Stage.

The Forest Fair Campgrounds will be available for just $25/person per night. You will need a camping permit, which is available at the campgrounds. The Alyeska Resort Daylodge will allow attendees of the fair to park there. A free shuttle from the parking area is provided. Bring the family to the Forest Fair near Anchorage in Girdwood this weekend, July 6-8, 2012 for a weekend of fun for the whole family.

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Joins Dump the Pump Day

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:20:08 -0700

Anchorage joins Dump the Pump Day this Thursday, June 21, 2012. Gas prices have continued to go up. To fight this ever increasing issue, the City of Anchorage's People Mover will be joining up with other public transit organizations across the country in the 7th annual Dump the Pump Day. Instead of driving your individual car to work, school, play or other activities, the City of Anchorage is encouraging its residents to take public transportation instead.

Dump the Pump began in June of 2006 as a way to combat the unheard of (at that time) $3+ we were paying at the pump. Now that gas prices are consistently over $4/gallon, it's even more expensive to drive a car around Anchorage highways and bi-ways. Carpooling is great, but public transportation costs so much less per person to run. For a schedule of times as well as a map of People Mover stations around Anchorage, please visit the People Mover website here.

When you figure in that the American Automobile Association (AAA) has found that it costs an average of 58.5 cents per mile to operate a standard sized vehicle on Anchorage roads in 2012, you are paying around $6000 per year just to have the privilege of owning a vehicle (based on a 40 mile round trip commute 21 days per month). Lower that cost by joining in with other Anchorage residents for Dump the Pump Day this Thursday, June 21st. Take the People Mover to work or to run your errands. It's more convenient than you might think!

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Celebrates Juneteenth

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:20:43 -0700

This weekend, June 15-17, 2012, Anchorage celebrates Juneteenth. If you are unaware of it, Juneteenth is the annual celebration of the emancipation of the last slaves in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865. Although it has been celebrated in Texas since 1980, it has spread to other areas of the country as well, including Anchorage.

Anchorage's annual Juneteenth celebration occurs on the third weekend of June. Alaska is a multicultural community. So, while this is primarily a celebration of the African American community, Juneteenth allows us to learn more about other cultures in our area. Live performances, including storytellers, games, free food for the kids (ages 2-18), vendors and tons of fun for everyone will be made available during the three day event.

Admission is free. While drinks and snacks will be provided, all Juneteenth attendees are welcome to bring a picnic and a blanket with them. Share with your neighbors if you want to truly embrace the feeling of community that Juneteenth is meant to convey. Friday's events begin at 4pm on Friday, 11am on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday at 10th & L Streets in Anchorage. Bring the family, have some fun and learn about several cultures when Anchorage celebrates Juneteenth this weekend!

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Anchorage Festival of Flowers

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:42:25 -0700

The annual Anchorage Festival of Flowers comes to downtown Anchorage on Friday, June 1st, 2012. Town Square Park plays host to this annual Anchorage event that offers seminars about caring for flowers, sales, an auction, live music and more. The Anchorage Festival of Flowers isn't just about flowers, though. There will be face painting, stilt walkers, an art fair and much more fun for the entire family to enjoy. You can even plant a marigold. The festival acts as an annual fundraiser for the Anchorage Endowment Fund. All proceeds from the sale and auction will benefit the fund.

Admission to the Anchorage Festival of Flowers is absolutely free. Bring the family to Town Square Park on Friday, June 1st for some educational fun with flowers. See why they call Anchorage the City of Flowers!

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Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Lemonade Day in Anchorage

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:51:39 -0700

This Sunday, May 6, 2012, is Lemonade Day in Anchorage. What is Lemonade Day, you ask? It's a fun way to instill an entrepreneurial spirit into kids via their first business...a lemonade stand. Each child that participates in Lemonade Day in Anchorage will receive a backpack containing a workbook that shows them how to create a budget, set a profit-making goal, serve customers, pay back investors and generally give back to the community. Kids who participate will keep any money they earn from the lemonade they sell throughout the day but will also be encouraged to save part of their money and spend some to help the local economy.

To participate, all you need to do is visit the Anchorage Lemonade Day website, register and print your confirmation page. When you bring your confirmation page to the Fairview Recreation Center (121 E 10th Ave), the Spenard Recreation Center (2020 W 48th Ave), the UA Center for Economic Development (4500 Diplomacy Dr #202) or Catholic Social Services (3710 E 20th Ave), you will be able to pick up your backpack that will help your child get organized for their day. Make sure to add your lemonade stand to the list of others on the Anchorage Lemonade Day site so they can help you get traffic to your stand.

Help your child develop a sense of empowerment as well as prepare them to become a productive member of society by letting them participate in Lemonade Day in Anchorage. If you're interested in volunteering, please click here. Whether it's stuffing backpacks, being a "Lemonhead" or simply spreading the word, all help is appreciated!

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist

Kids Day in Anchorage

Pauline Hofseth (Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:52:30 -0700

This Saturday, April 21, 2012, is Kids Day in Anchorage. Sponsored by Anchorage's Promise, Kids Day has been set up to offer free fun activities for kids and their families at various attractions around the City of Anchorage. The Dena'ina Center is the centerpiece of Kids Day, where, from 10am to 4pm, free interactive activities as well as information from more than 70 Anchorage area organizations about their services available to Anchorage children, teens and their families will be made available. There will also be live entertainment throughout the day. In addition to the free fun at the Dena'ina Center, the following locations will be offering free admission for children on Saturday only:

Alaska Aviation Museum (4721 Aircraft Dr) - Free admission from 9am to 5pm as well as free posters for the first 50 people through the doors.
Alaska Museum of Natural History (201 N Bragaw) - Free admission from 10am to 5pm
Alaska Zoo (4731 O'Malley Rd) - Free admission from 11am to 4pm for all kids with an accompanying adult.
Anchorage Museum (825 C St) - Free admission for kids 12 and under from 10am to 6pm.

It is the goal of Anchorage's Promise to help build the character of children living in Anchorage by fulfilling each of five promises they have set in place: bring caring adults into their lives (parents, extended family, coaches, teachers, etc), offer safe places for them to socialize with their peers, provide a healthy start with prenatal care, affordable health insurance, nutrition and exercise, give them an effective education and allow them the opportunity to help others. By encouraging children in each of these five areas, Anchorage kids will grow to be productive, caring members of the community. And that, after all, is what every parent wants for their child. Spark your child's imagination by visiting any or all of these businesses on Kids Day in Anchorage this Saturday, April 21, 2012. And, best of all, it's free for them to get in.

Pauline Hofseth, your Anchorage real estate specialist