Fairbanks International Friendship Day turns 40 this Saturday, Oct. 17. The free celebration runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Alaskaland's Civic Center, with food from around the world and a full afternoon of dance and music from Chinese, Filipino, Mideastern, Cuban, Japanese, Indian, Korean, and other local groups.
Organizer Rosalind Kan told the News-Miner the five-hour lineup fills up every year because Fairbanks shows up for it. New this year, the Korean community is bringing a performing group up from Seattle. You can also find the UAF ESL booth with English language games, Norwegian krumkake and lefse, Honey Bakery from Delta Junction, Thai, Chinese, Filipino, Mexican, and Korean food, free books from Star of Gold Readers, and a Tang Soo Do demo. FNSB Parks and Recreation is a co-sponsor.
Full details from Kris Capps in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Our take: this is one of those Fairbanks days that reminds you how many cultures call this town home, and how proud people are to share it. Free admission, free parking vibe, and a full afternoon of performances. If you have out-of-town family in for the weekend, this is an easy way to show them the real Interior, not just the tourist map.
Questions for the organizers: 907-699-9383 or 907-888-3831.
Photo: Yuhan Du / Unsplash, near Fairbanks