Alaska State Fair Board of Directors Candidate Profile
John W. Erickson Jr.
Palmer, Alaska

1. State why you wish to serve on the Board of Directors.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I absolutely love the Alaska State Fair!  It’s my desire to continue moving the Alaska State Fair into the future by building upon that which our pioneer forbearers have already established, while simultaneously protecting both the rich history and tradition that makes the Fair a family friendly celebration.  For these purposes, and because I am confident that the recent successes of the Alaska State Fair are but a sampling of that which is ultimately obtainable, I wish to serve on the Board of Directors for a second term.

1. Summarize employment experience; include work with budgets and supervisory duties.

For the past 3 years I have worked diligently with our members and staff toward obtaining a financially free 501(c)(3) ie., The Alaska State Fair.  To that end, we’ve been able to: 1) pay off the mortgage on Raven Hall well ahead of schedule, 2) modernize and further beautify many portions of our grounds as well as utilities.  As a result, and not surprisingly, the City, State, and Borough have begun to look toward us for utility and leadership solutions.  Indeed, we are setting a positive example for others to follow in a time of economic turmoil and distress.  We are succeeding and it shows.  Throughout these past 3 years I have also been an active associate of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions; not only as a committee member but as an advocate for preservation of state and country fairs across the nation.

1. List any volunteer activities, including board experience.

I truly believe that one person can make a difference.  As a result, I’ve dedicated  a greater part of my life to community service, to include nearly 21 years of service in the Air National Guard and over a decade of combined public service in Borough, State, and Federal governments.  As your treasurer, I took a Ph.D. level course in managerial accounting in order to better prepare myself to serve you.  As a consequence I have been able to follow our budgets closely and will continue to do so in the future.  It is important for us to remain both solvent and fiscally responsible.  The latter are not easily obtainable tasks for a non-profit organization, but I am happy to report that we are achieving it; and with the right frame of mind we will continue to do so.  As a result, we can preserve the Alaska State Fair for future generations of exhibitors, fairgoers and vendor alike.  Indeed, I believe that we have an obligation to do so.

1. How have you participated in the Fair in the past?

As both a local resident and a board director,  I’m a avid fairgoer and participant.  I also regularly volunteer at the Anchorage Scottish Rite Bodies food booth, as well as the Masonic information booth, and I am proud to report that my family and I have eaten our way through the fair, ridden rides, and played carnival games many times.  That’s a lot of food and fun for a family of nine, soon to be ten.

1. Summarize what you value most about the Fair. State your specific areas of interest.

I value the Alaska State Fair’s unique ability to bring the community together and provide wholesome activities and /or events for all ages.  I also appreciate the Fair’s ability to showcase the State of Alaska in both a positive and uplifting manner.  I have come to learn that attendance at the Alaska State Fair is therapeutic not only for me but for many.  It allows all who enter it’s gates to shed the worries of the world and enjoy the fun and adventure that is contained therein.  My specific interest include: farm and livestock exhibits, agricultural education, family friendly activities, carnival/amusement rides, the Alaska Railroad, and of course the food.

1. What is your vision for the Fair, and do you have specific goals?

Building upon that which it already is, I envision the Alaska State Fair becoming a place where family and friends can go to enjoy the splendor that is Alaska, not only at a time when Alaska’s rich summers are drawing to a close, but throughout the year.  I want the Alaska State Fair to become an event that all Alaskans look forward to each year; an event that makes each of us proud to live in our great State; an event that welcomes outsiders and makes them hungry for that which we enjoy year round.  In order to make this happen, continued hard work (budgetary, calendaring, facility maintenance, upgrading, etc.) and a proven dedication to the Alaska State Fair and its members is an absolute requirement of the Board of Directors.  I’ve demonstrated that hard work and dedication during my first term as a director and am more than willing to do so in the future.  I am not afraid to put the needs of the Fair above my own or the wants and desires of others, to include special interest groups.  We will keep our 501(c)(3) in the black!  We will grow!  And we will continue to improve upon that which we already have!  In so far as special goals are concerned, I plan to push for 1) the continued expansion and modernization of our petting zoo, 2) more meaningful agricultural events (increased education for children), and 3) additional amusement and thrill rides.