There’s always something happening around Fairbanks—and we’re here to help you keep up with a little more of it.

Each week, we bring together local events, community updates, useful things to know, and stories from the people and businesses that make Fairbanks what it is. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are still getting to know the area, we hope you find something useful, interesting, or worth sharing.

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As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, don't forget about the delivery drivers who keep showing up at our doors! Whether they're delivering packages, groceries, or dinner, these hardworking folks spend a lot of time navigating icy roads, snowy driveways, and cold temperatures to get things where they need to go.

A cleared walkway, a porch light left on, and a house number that's easy to spot can make their jobs a little easier (and safer). If you're expecting a delivery, taking a few extra minutes to make sure there's a safe path to your door can make a real difference.

And don't underestimate the value of a friendly wave or a simple thank-you! It's a small way to show appreciation for the people who keep Fairbanks moving, even when winter makes everything a little more challenging.

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

Alaskan Expressions has TWO exciting giveaways happening right now, celebrating their upcoming Knitting Lights Express Retreat and Peaks & Purls Stitch and Ride!

Both events bring together beautiful Alaska scenery and a love of knitting and crocheting for some truly unique experiences. Whether you're interested in a cozy retreat or a scenic train ride with fellow fiber enthusiasts, these are worth checking out!

Be sure to visit Alaskan Expressions' Facebook page for all the giveaway details and how to enter!

Sometimes life takes us in a direction we never expected, and for Amanda Tyler, owner of Effulgence Electrolysis in downtown Fairbanks, that unexpected turn led to a career she loves.

Amanda specializes in electrolysis, a method of permanent hair removal that works on all skin colors and hair colors. But opening her own business wasn't originally part of her plan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Amanda had never imagined herself working in hair removal.

It all started when Amanda was looking for permanent hair removal services for herself. The electrologist in town wasn't accepting new clients, and her husband suggested she consider starting a business of her own. After all, if she was having trouble finding someone, there were probably others in Fairbanks experiencing the same thing.

Amanda wasn't convinced. "No, I have a good job. I'm not switching," she told him. About a year later, COVID hit, Amanda lost her job, and her husband reminded her of that conversation. With much of the world shut down, Amanda decided to pursue training in electrolysis, setting her on an entirely different career path than she'd ever imagined.

Today, Amanda says the most rewarding part of her work isn't simply removing unwanted hair. It's watching the difference it makes in her clients' confidence. Many of the people she works with have experienced significant challenges with their self-esteem. Seeing those clients begin to feel more comfortable and confident is what makes her work so meaningful.

Her favorite moments are when clients start noticing results and walk into her office smiling, with their shoulders back and heads held high. As Amanda puts it, "Best. Feeling. Ever."

Because electrolysis typically involves a series of appointments, Amanda often gets to know her clients quite well. She understands that unwanted hair can be a deeply personal subject and appreciates the trust her clients place in her. Over time, many of those professional relationships develop into genuine friendships.

And unlike many business owners, Amanda considers it a success when her clients no longer need to come back. Reaching the end of treatment can be an emotional milestone, and she says she still receives plenty of hugs around town from former clients.

Amanda was born and raised in Fairbanks and, although she spent nine years living elsewhere, eventually found her way back home. She appreciates the small-town atmosphere and the way friendships and neighborly connections can become like family. That same sense of connection is something she experiences through her work every day.

If you've been curious about permanent hair removal, Amanda offers free consultations and is happy to answer questions about the electrolysis process.

Connect with Effulgence Electrolysis:

Website | Facebook

Ongoing
Interior Gardens by Kyle Agustines at Well Street Art Company

Tuesday October 20
Congressional Candidate Forum — 12-1:30pm
Tessa Hulls: Giving Voice to the Arctic Refuge — 5pm
Rescheduled to Nov 10! City of Fairbanks Budget Town Hall — 5:30-7pm
Pioneer Park Pickers Weekly Music Jam — 6:30-8:30pm
Preventative Medicine: From Puppy to Adult — 7-9pm

Wednesday October 21
Trick or Treat with the Ice Dogs — 4-7pm
Metropolitan Transportation Plan Open House — 5-7pm
Alaska Author night featuring Erica Watson — 6pm
FRANK, Flights & A Capitol That Never Got Built — 7pm

Thursday October 22
Entrepreneur Seminar hosted by North Pole Chamber — 3pm
20th Annual City Sampler, A Taste of Fairbanks — 6:30-8:30pm

Friday October 23
Friday Social Dance — 7:30-9:30pm

Saturday October 24
Cut Your Energy Costs Community Event — 10am-3pm
BOOZaar at Bentley Mall — 10am-7pm
Go Winter! Expo — 10am-6pm
Planetarium Family Matinees — 10am & 11am
Bone Bash at Hawk’s Greenhouse — 12-4pm
Jolly Jump Halloween Adventure — 4-6pm
FCM Trick or Trivia — 6pm
Paw Patrol The Dino Movie Open Skate — 6-8pm

Sunday October 25
BOOZaar at Bentley Mall — 11am-5pm
Go Winter! Expo — 11am-5pm
Halloween Spooktacular Concert — 4pm
Jolly Jump Halloween Adventure — 4-6pm

Monday October 26
Chess Club at Noel Wien Library — 5:30-7pm

Last week, we asked if you visited Cozy Collective or the Fairbanks Fiber Festival and what treasures you brought home. From handmade finds to delicious treats, it sounds like there was plenty to discover!

One reader shared that her kids were excited to pick out their own yarn for upcoming projects at the Fiber Festival, while her mother-in-law found a cute knit hat from Heather's Hooks at Cozy Collective. And of course, they had to grab some Toast! Allison came home with two knit kits from Calypso Farm and is looking forward to making a hat and mittens.

Another reader found new coffee beans to try from Farm Loop, a gorgeous tote from Paige Brady, stained glass ornaments for Christmas gifts, and some of Marlo's Bakery's delicious croissants. One mother and daughter visited Cozy Collective together and came home with beautiful jewelry and plans to learn bead embroidery!

And sometimes the best things we bring home aren't things at all! Christen, who was a vendor at Cozy Collective, said she brought home lots of great conversations with visitors, along with a couple of cookies from Gluten Free Frontier. She says they have the MOST AMAZING cookies and highly recommends them!

Thanks to everyone who shared! It's fun to hear about all the wonderful things our local makers and small businesses have to offer.

What's one thing you're looking forward to with winter's arrival here in Fairbanks?

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See you around town,

Your Friends at FYI Fairbanks