Party's over

People tread through the winding paths alongside the rows of booths selling everything from exotic food to authentic Alaska handmade crafts and paintings. Even kids have fun getting their face painted or playing in the sand pit filled with hula-hoops.

So this year, people are living on memories of past fairs. Mitchel Halverson will always remember the bands and musicians.

"It was awesome to go to the forest fair and listen to the music. And my favorite part was looking at all the really cool drums, and it was fun because everyone was friendly and nice. It's disappointing we can't go this year."

Traditionally, the fair begins with the Fourth of July parade, which was also canceled as part of the attempt to keep large numbers of people out of Girdwood this year.

In 2007 the fair attracted an average of 5,000 people each day, and at night the banks of the river were packed with campers, which is where the serious problem lies.

"The forest fair ground itself wasn't the problem," fair committee member Sally Messing explained. "It was the grounds over by the river where all the campers were."

Fire safety was a major concern with the campers.

"The firemen would go back there and tell them to put the fires out, but people would just start them up again," Messing said.

The cancellation of the fair is meant as a serious warning. Organizers and committee members hope it shows that they are serious about keeping the fair safe and fun for everyone and that the kind of rowdy behavior displayed last year will not be tolerated.

"It's really disappointing that it's not happening this year, but we are heading into next year with a lot of planning and a positive outlook," Messing said. "We've talked to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board about having more control, and there will definitely be more in-depth security next year. We are working hard to make it happen."

Emerald Kaitryn, a sophomore at Stellar Secondary School, has many memories from the forest fair.

"I go every year, my dad works some of the sound booths for some of the bands. I have the best memories from when I was young dancing up on the stage. And of course the food there is always amazing too."

Campers thinking of going to Girdwood this weekend -- fair or not -- should probably think twice. "It shows an incredible amount of disrespect, and it will only cause more problems," Messing said. "The people who come to the fair to party need to be prepared because if behavior like that continues, it will keep the forest fair from ever happening again."

The goal is to show people that the forest fair is a family-oriented music and art festival and not an excuse for people to have a weekend-long party. Messing's final words to people planning on camping: "If you're going (to Girdwood) just to party, don't come."

Mara Froemling is a senior at South High.