Summer in Interior Alaska always seems to fly by. Between farmer's markets, local events, visitors in town, and everyone trying to squeeze as much as possible into the short season, there's always something happening.

In this week's edition, we're sharing a few things worth knowing from around the community, introducing you to one of our local businesses, and highlighting upcoming events happening around town.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us.

Let's get started.

The City of Fairbanks has a Voluntary Cleanup Program to help residents and property owners of single-family homes, duplexes, and lots remove unwanted items and improve their properties. Participants receive a large dumpster for cleanup. City staff coordinate delivery, servicing, and pickup of the dumpster at no cost to the property owner. You can apply here.

The program helps support cleaner neighborhoods, stronger community pride, and a more attractive Fairbanks. Volunteer assistance may also be available for those who need an extra helping hand with their cleanup project. The next opportunity to volunteer is July 24th. Find out more information or sign up here.

Wednesday July 8
America 250 Block Party hosted by the City of Fairbanks — 11am-4pm
UAF Geophysical Institute Free Public Tour — 1pm
Honeyberry Picking at Clair’s Cultivations (other dates available) — Appointment only

Friday July 10
GrungeBob performing at the Golden Heart Plaza — 12:30-1:30pm

Saturday July 11
Family Skate Night at the Carlson Center — 5-8pm
Golden Days Rodeo — Gates open at 3pm, event begins at 5pm
GrungeBob performing at The Malemute in Ester — 7:30pm

Sunday July 12
Sweet Summer Market at Aurora Boutique — 12-4pm

Support events and businesses that help make Fairbanks a great place to live, work, and play.

One of our family's favorite local restaurants is Thai House on 5th Ave downtown. Their menu has something for everyone, but we find ourselves coming back to the drunken noodles and the yellow curry (our kid’s favorite) most of the time. If you're looking to try a local spot this week, it's definitely worth adding to your list.

Looking for more local restaurant recommendations? If you aren't already following FBX Foodie, it's a great resource for discovering restaurants and local food favorites around Fairbanks. Many people already follow her on social media and she recently launched a Substack where you can get her recommendations delivered straight to your inbox. It's well worth checking out!

Kick off the school year at OP Realty Group's Back to School Supply Bash on August 1! Families can enjoy free school supplies, giveaways, family-friendly activities, and more. Pre-registration is required, click here for more details.

Celebrate fireweed season with a cozy embroidery workshop on August 23rd at Lichen! Led by the talented Landly AK, you'll learn five foundational embroidery stitches while creating your own handmade fireweed piece to take home. Space is limited to just 9 participants, so reserve your spot early if you'd like to join.

3 Gypsies & a Passport was founded by Fairbanks-area residents Melanie Ebersole and Jen Hallsten. What began as a shared love of travel, photography, storytelling, and Alaska has grown into a business focused on helping people create meaningful keepsakes from their journeys.

As Alaskans based in the Fairbanks area, Melanie and Jen know that some of life's most treasured memories come from experiences rather than things. Whether it's a cruise through Southeast Alaska, a visit to Denali, a sled dog adventure, or simply a summer evening under the midnight sun, they believe those moments deserve to be remembered.

Their journals are designed to be more than souvenirs. They become personal stories filled with memories, photographs, ticket stubs, notes, and reflections that can be revisited for years to come. In addition to journaling prompts and memory-keeping pages, their Alaska journals include mini guides highlighting communities, attractions, wildlife, and experiences throughout the state. Their goal is not only to help visitors and locals preserve their memories, but also to inspire them to explore Alaska more deeply and discover local businesses, attractions, and adventures along the way.

Melanie and Jen are proud to create products that celebrate Alaska while encouraging travelers and locals alike to connect with the people, places, and stories that make our state unique.

This year they’re especially excited to be expanding their Alaska journal collection, growing their retail presence across the state, and leading travel journaling workshops for cruise visitors as part of an onboard Alaska experience, helping guests create lasting memories while they explore our state.

Connect with 3 Gypsies & a Passport:

Website || Instagram || Facebook

Fairbanks is full of interesting people, opinions, and stories. Each week, we'll ask a quick question just for fun and share some responses in the next edition.

Question: If someone was visiting Fairbanks for the first time, what's the ONE place you'd tell them not to miss?

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See you around town,

Your Friends at FYI Fairbanks