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Our Programs

Our primary projects and programs are coordinated and designed to promote, preserve
and revitalize downtown Fairbanks by combining both short term, intermidiate and long
term strategies. A sample of these programs that are operated by our two organizations
include:

Vision Fairbanks
Along with taking national approaches into consideration, the Downtown Association of
Fairbanks recognizes the importance of developing a long term comprehensive plan for the
growth of our downtown area that takes into consideration our unique geography and
history. Through close collaboration with the Borough, City and other key economic, tourist
and civic organizations, the Downtown Association looks forward to spearheading this vital
mission for our entire area.

Preservation of Historic Buildings
As an example of our preservation efforts, the Downtown Association leases and maintains
the Historic City Hall – home of our Community Museum and a key element of the history of
Fairbanks. In Last year the Downtown Association continued to ensure it’s preservation by
replacing the windows on this amazing property. Through National Trust and other grant
programs, the Downtown Association continues to ensure that our historic buildings remain
in tact for many more generations to enjoy.

Community Service Patrol
An integral part of keeping downtown Fairbanks “Safe and Secure”, our Community Service
Patrol Ambassadors, working in close liaison with our local police, ensures that our
downtown streets remain safe and welcoming for visitors and residents alike – 7 days a
week. As a member of the Golden Heart Project, a collaborative community effort aimed at
trying to solve the issue of chronic inebriates in our downtown area, our ambassadors are
also the front line in helping inebriates off the street and into rehabilitation in a humane
approach.

Live After Five
The Downtown Association looks forward to the day that downtown Fairbanks is recognized
as the artist capital of Alaska. To kick start this, our Live After 5 program organizes,
advertises and promotes live music and shows for restaurants and other venues to attract
patrons to our local establishments. In 2008 we are delighted to see the increasing number
of restaurants and galleries that are bringing artists to our area and are proud of the part we
can play in supporting and enhancing their efforts through our free advertising and
promotion.

Information and Relocation Services
Offering free real estate, employment, economic development and market information, event
and promotion logistics, we are here for any individual or business wishing to become a part
of our downtown community.

Midnight Sun Festival and Winter Solstice Festival
Another large aspect of promoting our downtown area to residents and international travel
market is the organization and running of our two largest festivals. On June 21st each year,
Downtown Association of Fairbanks hosts the Midnight Sun Festival with live music, food
vendors and family activities. Approximately one third of the Borough population (40,000+)
attend this 12-hour one-day event. It is an event that brings local residents to appreciate their
historic downtown area and to enjoy what is regarded universally as a community’s central
gathering place. The benefit of this event is far beyond the membership, and has an impact
that is often cited as a quality of life factor in community and economic development studies.

Participating Events
Want to see dogs run? The Downtown Association proudly supports all our dog-mushing
events and is co-organizer of the Quest Fest – the celebration of the toughest mushing race
in the world – the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. This 1,000 mile epic endurance
race for dog teams from across the planet runs between downtown Fairbanks, AK and
Whitehorse, YT, Canada with Fairbanks being the starting point in even number years and
finishing line in odd numbered years. Why not ask the Downtown Association about Quest
Fest Best Guess - a fun way to have a vested interest in the race results and support making
Downtown Fairbanks the dog mushing capital of the world. Join us in February for this
incredible event.

Downtown Flags and Winter Lighting
Much loved and well admired, the Downtown Association promotes downtown with flags
waving from the Cushman Street bridge and light posts, and promotes winter tourism with
stunning street lighting throughout the heart of downtown.

"Together, by Promoting, Preserving & Revitalizing Downtown, we continue
to help Fairbanks reach her true potential for a bright and prosperous future for all."
--David van den Berg, Executive Director