Every July, Fairbanks celebrates Felix Pedro’s gold discovery that sparked the city’s founding with a festival called Golden Days. I never miss an opportunity to join the fun. (This year’s theme is “Worth Your Weight in Gold.” Wouldn’t that be nice?) I love the Rubber Duckie Race, the Felix Pedro lookalike contest, the old-timey clothes, the Street Fair, and the parade. Plus there’s opportunity to get out to Gold Dredge No. 8 for a phenomenal demonstrations of gold rush history–and you get to pan some of your own. Take a soak at Chena Hot Springs. Visit the Fountainhead museum of antique autos and vintage clothing. Eat well. Watch the Chena River roll by. That’s Golden Days!
I really miss the perennial appearance of pioneer Irene Sherman, “The Queen of Fairbanks,” pedaling through the Golden Days Grande Parade. She’s been gone since 1995, but visions of Irene and her adult-sized trike are seared in the memories of several generations of parade-goers. She never missed a chance to pedal her decorated trike and wave to us, her cheering “subjects.” Since I wrote her biography last year, I’ve heard many more stories that I wish could have made it into the book. She was a gem, and I’ll be talking about her at a special presentation during Golden Days this year (see the schedule below).
Golden Days also coincides with the Nanook Rendezvous (nanook is polar bear in Inupiaq), a homecoming for graduates of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Lots of activities on and off campus, too, including a free ticket for UAF alumni to the Goldpanners baseball game at Growden Park. I’m usually there with a grandkid or two.
This year, you’re invited to these special appearances related to Irene’s biography, The Queen of Fairbanks. Here’s the rundown:
Thurs., July 17 6-8 p.m. Book-signing event at Humble Roots Brewery, 314 Wendell Ave. One of the hottest gathering spots in Fairbanks is pleased to offer a special imperial ale they’ve named after Irene Sherman. We’re also hoping that Explore Fairbanks’s new city mascot will join us—it’s an oversized raven named Irene!
Fri., July 18 5:30-6:30 p.m. “The Queen of Fairbanks, the Queen of Golden Days” author talk and PowerPoint presentation about Irene Sherman, who was born in Fairbanks in 1911. The life and times of a survivor, and the love this city showed for her. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center auditorium, 101 Dunkel Street; (907) 459-3700. Book-signing to follow; portions of sales will benefit the Irene Sherman Project, a fundraiser to install a bronze of Irene (on her trike) in a prominent downtown location. To learn more and/or make a donation, visit ireneshermanproject.com.
Sat., July 19 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Golden Days Street Fair, one of several events sponsored by the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce. I’ll be signing more than a dozen of your favorite books at the Tricia Brown Books booth. I’d love to see you! I hope to return to my usual location, next to the First Family statue and fountain at the center of Golden Heart Plaza. You can shop at booths throughout the plaza, along First Avenue, and the Courthouse parking lot. Other happenings will liven up the week of activities, too. See more details at fairbankschamber.org.
As always, if you already own one of my books and it’s unsigned, come see me and I’ll personalize it for you or your favorite kid. I love meeting readers!