The City
After leaving the Denali Park area, we head north to Fairbanks. On the drive I realize we will be in Fairbanks for the Summer Solstice. Earlier when we had crossed the border into Alaska, we had stopped at a visitors centre and were told about a fun summer solstice in Fairbanks. I had thought we would be in Dawson City by Solstice, so I did not really pay much attention. Now that we were about to arrive in Fairbanks on June 20th, I think great, lets stay two nights and take part in the Solstice festival.
We check in at the RV park for two nights and proudly ask where is the Summer Solstice festival held. The answer, if was downtown on the 19th. WHAT? I thought the Solstice was the 21st? Apparently not in Fairbanks, it is the 19th. Who knew?
Let me tell you about the city of Fairbanks; population 31,000, over 90,000 with the surrounding boroughs and 16,000 military personal based here at any given time. The result, a sprawling city of box stores and strip malls.
Founded in 1901 as a trading post. The history is rich in gold mining. The natural resources of gold and oil, still drives the economy.
The downtown is, well lets say, you aren’t missing anything.
This northern city of Alaska is famous for its long cold winter and hot short summers. Maybe that is why the Summer Solstice is on the 19th, that gives them two more days of summer.
The city is located on the banks of the Chena River, which used to be the main form of transportation during the melt. The weather has been hot, and the mosquitoes love it hot, so I have finally fallen victim to mosquito bites. There have been tons of those creatures around but the repellent was keeping them away till now. I have learnt to use Watkins Insect repellent as my moisturizer, works great!
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