‘Friday Fling’ events replace Saturday market at fairgrounds

There is a new Friday event in Kodiak. Sadie McCusker is the Kodiak Rodeo State Fair Board President. The organization hosts the Friday Fling events.  

“The Saturday Farmers Market just wasn’t working out.” said McCusker. “So, we were inspired by Palmer’s Friday Fling, they hold a fling every Friday up there. And so we were like, ‘why can’t we do something similar?’ So, we just thought we would try it. Our plan is to hold four throughout this season. And then hopefully next summer we can hold a few more.”

Earlier this Spring, there was a controversy over how the Saturday farmer’s market was being managed at the fairgrounds and the market split in two. Some venders relocated to a Saturday market at the Baptist Mission. Others stayed with the fairgrounds location.

McCusker says there just were not quite enough venders to support two markets at the same time. She says after a suggestion from a community member, the Fair Board decided to try a different approach with the Friday Fling event.

“It is a community event. We have live entertainment, music, and it is a vendor market, so it is local items along with distributor items and then we have family, children[‘s] activity, games, and a food truck roundup,” said McCusker.

McCusker says they plan to hold four Friday Fling events this season. They’ve already held two, on June 29 and July 13.

The last two will be July 27 and August 17. The event on August 17 will feature musician, Tim Easton who plays rock-n-roll, folk and Americana music.

The events are free through July 27. The August 17 event featuring Easton will be $5 at the gate. Those under 13 get in free.

Friday fling events take place from 6-8pm.

McCusker says Friday Fling has room for more venders and food trucks and those interested can follow Kodiak Rodeo State Fair on facebook or email krsfgroup@gmail.com.