Dear Neighbor,

More than a 109 years ago, the trader ET Barnette steamed forward through the Chena Slough. Originally headed to create an outpost between Valdez and Eagle, he was forced to unload supplies on the banks of the slough near where the Barnette Street Bridge is being built today. One year later an Italian immigrant named Felice Pedroni discovered gold near Fox and the town quickly grew around the city center. By 1905, several thousand locals, adventure seekers from the lower 45ers, and immigrants called themselves Fairbanksans.

  Over the next few days, we honor and celebrate the rich history of the Golden Heart City through Golden Days festivities. As you walk down the streets and attend cultural events, it’s important to remember the pioneers who faced the worst conditions more than a century ago-lack of food and water, unreliable energy, unsanitary conditions and inclement weather. Fairbanks has survived earthquakes, floods, fires and famine. Fairbanks did not have an airport, young drivers didn’t have cellphones and I could not send you an email.

Yet even during the worst of times, Fairbanks has flourished because of the pioneering drive to be a part of the frozen community on the edge of the Arctic and to help your neighbor when they are in need. We certainly face some challenges over the next few months, years and decades to come but I am optimistic. I look forward to meeting with many of you during the Golden Days as we honor the past, celebrate with family today and look ahead to progress in the future.

Wednesday, July 21st
Kick Off Party

Thursday, July 22nd
Golden Citizen's Senior Luncheon

Friday, July 23rd
Comedy Night

Saturday, July 24th
Grand Parade, Street Fair & Rubber Duckie Race

Sunday, July 25th
Governor's Picnic

Veteran’s Cemetery Meeting Tomorrow Night. 
Don’t Forget and Tell a Vet!

Rep. Gutternberg and Sen. Thomas Veteran’s Cemetery Meeting

July 20 from 5:30PM til 7:00PM
Noel Wein Library

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
Interior Delegation Chairman