This Week in Fairbanks: April 28, 2023
It’s already the final week of April!
Or, in Justin Timberlake’s words:
Here’s a quick look at a handful of events happening around Fairbanks this week (or soon).
Noel Wien Library Closes for Renovations on May 1
As a kid, a big part of my childhood was spent in the Noel Wien Library. Plenty of books, a warm space outside of the home, and a great children’s program kept me coming back.
It remains one of the few free year-round community spaces in Fairbanks and serves a huge variety of residents.
I’m thankful to the Fairbanks Library Foundation, our Assembly and administration, and the many volunteers and staff that have made this renovation possible for the next generation of kids to enjoy, too.
During the closure the North Pole Branch Library will have extended hours, while the Joy Community Center, where Joy Elementary School used to be, will have regular Children and Young Adult programing.
You can learn more about the closure and other access plans and resources here.
The Fairbanks Fahrenkamp Speaker Series Has a New Coordinator
…and it’s me!
After a brief hiatus, the lunchtime speaker series returns at noon on Friday, May 12. A longtime event held by the Interior Democrats, the series is free and open to the public and takes place over Zoom.
Past speakers include senators, university presidents, community leaders, and more.
Information about the upcoming speaker will be published here and on the Interior Dems email list soon.
Spring Migration Celebration at Creamers Field on Saturday
Friends of Creamers Fields and other local orgs invite you to celebrate the coming of spring at the Spring Migration Celebration on April 29 from 12-4 pm at Creamer’s Field.
This event is free to the public and should provide great viewing opportunities for migratory birds and other wildlife. Activities include meeting local outdoor organizations, guided nature walks, wildlife viewing, and crafts for kids and families.
Organizers ask you to please dress for the weather and wear boots.
For more information, call the Friends of Creamer's Field at (907) 978-8457 or visit their website.
Ongoing Ask for High School Track and Field Volunteers
It's that time of the year again: time for high school track and field!
The first meet is tomorrow, April 29.
Interested parties can fill out this quick google form and I’ll be in touch. No experience necessary. Please let me know at kuba@runningclubnorth.org if you have any questions about volunteering.
The meets are:
Saturday, April 29, at the West Valley Track
Saturday, May 6, at the North Pole Track
Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, at the West Valley Track
Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, at the West Valley Track
Lots of perks like free food, it’s fun, and very rewarding! More info available on the google form.
Reminder: Fireweed People Power Party Thursday, 11 May
Reminder: join Fireweed Collective Fairbanks for a People Power Party on Thursday, May 11th from 5:30-8:30pm at Venue (in the space on the 2nd Ave side).
Fireweed Collective (of which I’m a member, and with which I’ve helped with planning around this event) is seeking the voices of Young Alaskans, ages 21-35, to inform our vision for policy change on a local level. We want OUR voices as young Fairbanksans to influence the future of our community.
There will be food, drinks, music, art, community visioning, and compelling conversations.
Come hear about Fireweed's work to build a policy platform to uplift local work around climate justice, housing, education, and more - and fight for the future we want for Fairbanks.
You can register for the event on Facebook, or drop in at any time.
We hope to see you there!
Party With Fairbanks Roller Derby Next Week
My partner used to be very into the Fairbanks Roller Derby scene, and it’s great to see them moving forward with an event next Friday, May 5, at 7pm at Venue.
You can follow along with their event on Facebook.
Thanks for reading, and I hope that you also get a chance to get outside to enjoy our incoming spring. It’s getting muddy and dirty, but warm!
Have a great weekend!