FAIRBANKS -- "Hallowed by Veterans. Occupied by Hippies," proclaims a recently-deposited placard leaning against the entrance of Veterans Memorial Park.
"What's funny about the signs is that the majority of our supporters are military personnel," said Occupy Fairbanks protester Ethan Sinsabaugh, 27. "Most negative commentary we hear (comes from) a few shouted comments from cars driving by."
More common, he said, are people who stop by the tents questioning the group's purpose, or debating the merits of the protest. Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly members have even stopped by to discuss what Occupy Fairbanks -- an offshoot of the national Occupy Wall Street movement -- is about and why they are sitting in protest at the park.
As of Monday morning, the needle of the big dial thermometer dangling on the side of the larger of Occupy Fairbanks' two tents read 32 below. Fairbanks had just set a November record for the most consecutive days of temperatures of -35 or lower.
Beth Hughes, 52, stopped by the encampment Monday with firewood and food. Hughes explained that she did not protest in the 1960s and is excited to see so many involved in Occupy movements. Considering the attention already stirred by the Lower 48 protests, she said, Occupy Fairbanks could get even more momentum and get things done.
"I really don't want this movement to die," said Hughes.
Several new signs commenting on U.S. war policies fronted the park gazebo, which is used for weddings and civic events during more hospitable months. "No! To Drone Warfare," read one.
"The new signs were from ... this weekend," said Sinsabaugh, shrugging. He left the signs up, even though they don't address the reasons for why Occupy was at the park. Sinsabaugh said that Occupy is more about hearing all points of view, not just one side.
Among the hardships of staying out at the park: food freezing, getting up in the morning to set the fire, and just being prepared. "We've been winging it," Sinsabaugh said, adding, "without the help of people bringing us supplies we wouldn't be able to do this as well."
The protesters never leave the park camp unattended, he said, ensuring their equipment isn't vandalized or stolen, and that someone is present to talk to people who drop by, explain the signs, and discuss what the group is trying to do.
"We are getting lots of attention," said Sinsabaugh. "We hope to keep this momentum to speak at the statewide assembly this week, and start the discussion. We are staying until a change is made."
Casey Loeschen is a journalism student covering the Occupy Fairbanks protest for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.