The Tanana Valley State Fair announced in February that it will not host its annual drag performance this year.
Last week, after months of pushback from the drag promoters, it published a statement reiterating its decision.
In a terse statement released Friday, the Fair’s Board of Directors said, “A Glam Show is not scheduled during the 2025 Tanana Valley State Fair.” The board acknowledged that the decision followed months of listening to community members in Fairbanks and surrounding areas, noting the controversy has taken a heavy toll on staff and the broader community.
“This process has been painful for all involved,” the statement read. “Struggles continue with harassment which has taken its toll on the TVSFA, its staff, and our Fairbanks community.”
Harassment has been intense from the pro-drag crowd.
There were many in the community who objected to the ludicrous depiction of females and the burlesque nature of drag at what has traditionally been a family-oriented fair.
Those who criticized the drag performances of the past were routinely harassed and harangued with hateful commentary by the loud-and-proud trans-and-queer segment of the community.
While the board characterized the move as an “operational and logistical decision,” it emphasized that the goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all fairgoers.
“Everyone is welcome to the Fairgrounds and we merely wish to present a Fair environment that is safe and responsive to our community,” the board said.
The re-announcement comes after months of back-and-forth between supporters of the drag event, who view it as an expression of inclusion and entertainment, and opponents who raised objections based on the inappropriateness of the performances where children are present.. The growing polarization was felt through public comment sessions, letters, and social media debates, ultimately culminating in the cancellation.
The Tanana Valley State Fair, which draws thousands of Alaskans each summer, will proceed with its other scheduled events. Board members say they hope to refocus the fair’s atmosphere on traditional community fun without the recent “harassment” that has surrounded this issue.
Drag. Queer,A life style best behind closed doors.
Possibly, they could have held the drag show after 10:00pm in the barn. But the goats and the swine wouldn’t be happy until the cows came home.
Good! Now never allow that garbage ever again to be at ANY state fair! Children and families do not want to see nor deal with this DEPRAVITY on any level!
This controversy has nothing to do with discrimination of any kind. Regardless of gender, sexual preferences, fashion preferences, or countenance, it is never appropriate to dress and behave like a prostitute or stripper in front of the general public, especially children. Anyone who disagrees with this fundamental point is clueless.
What a bunch of sick shxthole perverts.
Do “you” all you want – just not in front of children and families.
And please seek help.
Cuddos to a very wise decision!! I. Sure wouldn’t go of they were there ! Thank you for promoting decency in public beautiful Alaska!!❤️❤️
I have been to many state fairs and county fairs all over the United States and not one of them had a drag show as part of the fair.!Fairs are always family oriented and why would anyone think that this type of entertainment would be part of a family fair .?.also why does the drag community want to do a story time at the library with our children ?…leave the kids alone ! Keep drag shows , drag story hours , drag anything , LGBTQ events within your communities away from society ..it’s not normal behavior it s borderline mental illlness- pervert behavior . Seek help you really need to learn trans ,drag , and what ever else drag queens are claiming they should be part of ..no one wants that type of representation presented near their children its wrong on every level . Why can’t you realize normal society is sick of it . Stay away from the children its perverted ! .
The harassment was not from the pro-drag folks. The recorded voice mails and emails that the Fair staff considered to be harassment were in all cases opposed to the Glam Show. Staff traced at least one phone call to a local resident who is known by local police for making violent threats against “libtards” and LGBTQ+ persons on social media and at public meetings.
Hey sd. When we get a win can we not show the tranny and /or the perversion?
Good. It’s not the place for a freak show.
If they can have drag queen shows, why can’t we have stripper shows? What’s the difference? Asking for a friend.
Good decision. That is not what a fair is all about. A county fair is about family, food, 4H and fun. Thank you for bringing it back to what it should be. Can’t wait to go this year now.
Well it’s unfortunate so many people had to call, show up to meetings and send letters to a group of mentally ill people who have disgusting beliefs. Parents are fighting tooth and nail against these demonic beings. It is sad that the fair has drifted so far off into the ditch. New booths are few and far between, prices have gone up for entrance and ride fees, they have made walking easier in the last 10 yrs, how about adding more resting benches, the people can actually sit down and watch the freak show go by. I lost my desire to go anymore. Last few years has been just for photo buttons and food. Now…. I can go to Walmart and watch the freak show there for free!
Soooo… I’m assuming the majority of the commenters on here wouldn’t attend a drag show at the fair to begin with, it happening would have affected them… how exactly?