Ugly Sweater Carnival makes for a good time in Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The Fairbanks community experienced a favorite winter holiday carnival with a summer twist Saturday afternoon. The Carlson Center hosted an “Ugly Sweater Carnival” packed with a myriad of festive season charms. The indoor fun included stations for making ornaments, and carnival games such as basketball free-throw knockout, cornhole, pin the beard on Santa, and a ring toss. There were even popcorn and Italian Ice concession stands. Dancing those Winter Solstice Blues away happened on the Silent Disco Dance Floor - where dancers could listen to their own tunes through headphones and enjoy dance remixes, provided by DJ 50-50, that included some favorite holiday classics. The carnival also featured a “Letter to Santa Station” and photo time with Jolly Ole’ Saint Nicholas.

Since opening their Play Zone in November, the Carlson Center has been looking for ways to bring more of the community together since they have seen success from the family area addition.

Heather Jenson, the carnival event curator and Recreation Specialist 3 of The Carlson Center, stated in reference to the idea, “We wanted it to be a community center and have events for all ages. I was like, well, we should do something for all the holidays and just celebrate everything. I wanted to include the play zone but have certain activities that they [older family members] could do as well.”

Those that made it to every station received a stamp on their Bingo card and won a prize.

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