My family is getting geared up for 2026 Golden Days in Fairbanks. As always, I’ll be signing and selling books at the Street Fair (you’ll likely find me next to the First Family fountain in Golden Heart Park.). But this year is extra-special.
A perennial entry in the parade, Irene Sherman, The Queen of Fairbanks, rode her adult-sized trike and enjoyed the favored status of the people, waving and shouting as she pedaled along. She’s been gone since 1995, but with the help of Humble Roots Beer Project, the Fairbanks Community/Dog Mushing Museum, and Goldstream Sports, we’ll have a surprise for the parade-goers!
Irene’s original trike (plus a wonderful friend portraying Irene Sherman) will be featured as part of an “Irene Rides Again” float!
Much of my Alaska family will be participating in reenacting Irene’s part in the Golden Days Grande Parade. Husband is driving the tow vehicle, and our daughter, three grandchildren, and two nieces will be following the float and collecting donations for the Irene Sherman statue while handing out information for those who want to give.
ONE NIGHT EARLIER, from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, July 24, in preparation for the parade, you are invited to stop by Humble Roots to enjoy a tall, cool Irene Imperial Ale (or another beverage of choice), and help decorate the tow vehicle, trailer, and Irene’s trike! I’ll be signing copies of Irene’s biography, “The Queen of Fairbanks,” and we’ll have art supplies, splashy attachments, banners, and signs for the float. Please come and get creative!
Through the float entry, we hope to reach more folks who want to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Irene Sherman Project, with the aim of installing a larger-than-life bronze statue of Irene atop her trike. The sculpture by Gary Lee Price is nearly ready for the foundry. Our hope is to unveil her figure at Golden Days 2027 in a prominent downtown location. Will you help? See more at www.ireneshermanproject.com
After the 2026 parade, the trike will be with me at the Tricia Brown Books booth in Golden Heart Plaza. Come and view the trike up close and share a story or two! I’ll be signing all my titles from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
