The Alaska State Fair draws in thousands of visitors and thousands of dollars for vendors. Many small businesses say the annual 12-day summer event brings in more than 50-percent of its annual revenue.
For more than 20 years, now that's been true for Birch Grove Studios.
"We have a small studio out near big lake and there is a gallery there but this is the best chance for people to purchase pottery from us," said David MacKenzie-Cole, potter for Birch Grove Studios.
The family business features work from three generations and started with David MacKenzie-Cole's father.
Mackenzie-Cole says the prime location of their booth at the fair brings in the majority of their yearly business, however this year has been slower than past years but sales are still pretty good.
Pamela Meekin, head of Alaska State Fair Vendors and Exhibits, says vendors used to report their sale totals, but now the economic picture is generated by vendor feedback.
"No one has expressed that they're doing really, really well or they're doing really, really poorly," said Meekin. "I sort of think it's in the middle of the road [this year]."
Marci Nelson, owner and creator of AK Starfish, says this year's sales have been on par for what they've experienced in the eight years of selling at the fair. She says about 10 percent of her sales come from the Alaska State Fair.
"It really helps pay the bills," said Nelson. "It's one of the ways that we can continue to be part of the community and touch base with so many of our awesome customers."
AK Starfish has five locations around the state and booths at multiple weekend markets.
No matter how large the cash register receipts, vendors like AK Starfish and Birch Grove Studios, say a love of the Alaska State Fair and the people that visit it keep them coming back.
"We're happy to show our stuff to them and hopefully [they] purchase some and continue to support us because without them there wouldn't be a booth," said MacKenzie-Cole.
Contact Mallory Peebles