Sen. Kawasaki - Headlines, Miss Alaska, Fair Time and More!

July 23, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

It is the middle of the summer and it has been an eventful season! In the past week, an attempt was made on the life of former President Trump while he spoke at a rally in Pennsylvania. I am relieved that the former President is unharmed. There is no room for violence for a thriving democracy to survive. The attack is a significant indicator that we, as a country and as Americans, must work to unite in times of political unrest and uncertainty and remember the principles on which our great country was founded. In my role within the Senate, I strive to embrace these principles as a member of the bipartisan Senate Majority while working to make Fairbanks and Alaska a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.

President Biden announced Sunday that he is ending his reelection bid and has fully endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Presidential nominee. In an official statement released by President Biden, he states that this decision is in the best interest of the country and his political party. I thank President Biden for his decades of service to our country and for his time in the Oval Office. This is an opportunity for unity, change and progress toward a better future for all Americans.

In other news within our community, the Miss Alaska Pageant concluded on June 1 with its crown going to a Fairbanksan, the annual Tanana Valley State Fair will celebrate 100 years in operation; Shakespeare fan can rejoice as the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre has one weekend left of performances and King Lear. I’ll be hosting another Picnic in the Park with Representative Maxine Dibert this Wednesday—if you are unable to attend, don’t sweat it! I’ll be posting upcoming events on Facebook for the whole family to enjoy.

Congratulations, Miss Alaska!

On June 1, Fairbanks’ own Brenna Schaake was crowned as Miss Alaska 2024! I congratulate Brenna on her achievement and know she will represent Fairbanks and Alaska well in the upcoming Miss America pageant, which will be held in Los Angeles on August 4. The winner will then go on to represent the USA at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico. I was able to join the community in sending Brenna off to Hollywood this past Wednesday, July 17, at her Send Off Party. Good luck, Brenna—we’ll be cheering you on from home! You can follow her progress by clicking here.

Senator Kawasaki with Miss Alaska 2024, Brenna Schaake, at her Sending Off Party.

Putting the "Fair" in Fairbanks

The annual Tanana Valley State Fair will be held from July 26 to August 1 and is something the whole family can enjoy! This year’s fair is incredibly special—it is the centennial! One hundred years ago, the first Tanana Valley State Fair took place in 1924. With plenty of food, games, rides, shows, concerts and livestock, the fair is not something that you want to miss. For more information, a link to buy tickets and see the schedule, visit the fair website.

Senator Kawasaki at the fair.

Calling all Thespians for Shakespeare in the Park

Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre has produced and has four more performances left of the famous King Lear by William Shakespeare. Many beloved local performers have worked hard to put together a fantastic show for community members to enjoy, so show your support for the local arts by purchasing a ticket! If you decide to attend, I recommend bringing a blanket or two along with some bug spray, as the show takes place in the outdoor theatre behind the Reichardt building of the UAF campus. The show runs approximately three hours long.

The play follows the three daughters of King Lear, ruler of ancient England. King Lear has decided to split up his kingdom amongst his daughters depending on whose declaration of love for him pleases him the most. The elder sisters, Goneril and Regan, both deliver warm and tender declarations, but the youngest, Cordelia, cannot exaggerate. Angered by Cordelia's lack of a declaration, Lear banishes her. She then leaves to marry the King of France. Her sisters turn on Lear, leaving him to wander in the midst of a horrific storm with no other company than his devoted fool and loyal nobleman, Kent. The subplot of the show follows another troubled family—Gloucester and his two sons, Edgar (legitimate) and Edmund (illegitimate). To get his brother out of the picture, Edmund convinces his father that Edgar is trying to murder him and to escape the manhunt his father has set out for him, Edgar flees.

The poster for Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre's King Lear, directed by Emily Yates.

Picnic in the Park with Representative Dibert on Wednesday

This Wednesday, I’ll be hosting another Picnic in the Park with Representative Maxine Dibert at the Lions Recreational Area Baseball Fields off of Hampstead Avenue and Zimmer’s Place, near the Cookie Jar Restaurant. When you get to the area, keep an eye out for our signs. We will have free food, drinks, treats and plenty to discuss with you about the future of our community. This is an event for people of all ages, so feel free to bring the whole family! If you can’t make this one, don’t stress—I’ll be hosting future events, so make sure to check out my Facebook page for information on future picnics.

Senator Kawasaki speaking with a constituent at a recent Picnic in the Park.

My Staff and I are Here for You

As always, I and my staff are still working for you. Feel free to contact my office and we will assist you with issues important to you and your family.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,