Whether you've been here for decades or just recently started calling Fairbanks home, we hope FYI Fairbanks helps you discover something new each week.

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Today is Alaska's Primary Election Day! If you're planning to vote, polls are open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. statewide.

Not sure where to vote? The Alaska Division of Elections makes it easy to find your polling place. Simply visit myvoterportal.alaska.gov to look up your voter information. If you have questions about how the elections work or want to see a sample ballot, you can find more information here.

Remember to bring an acceptable form of identification, such as your driver's license, state ID, passport, voter ID card, or another approved document. Find a complete list here.

Whether you're a first-time voter or you've been voting for years, taking a few minutes to cast your ballot is one way we all help shape the future of our communities. If you haven't voted yet, there's still time. Make a plan and head to the polls today!

Support events and businesses that help make Fairbanks a great place to live, work, and play. Click images for more information.

If your dog could plan the perfect getaway, it might look a lot like Explorers. Owned by Nicole Silvers, with a little help from resident dogs Hanzo, Lana, Archer, Seneca, Theo, Jethro, Marley, Baloo, and Jellybean, Explorers offers outdoor adventure-based boarding and training designed to give dogs an enriching experience while helping them become more responsive and confident.

Nicole jokingly describes herself as a "professional dog spoiler," but her passion for dogs runs much deeper. She's been involved in dog adoption, rehoming, training, and boarding since the early 2000s, and most of the nearly two dozen dogs she's owned have been rescues or shelter dogs. She has a special place in her heart for dogs that may be a little too energetic for the average home but thrive with the right guidance and structure.

Her approach to boarding was shaped years ago while managing a large kennel in North Carolina, where she saw firsthand that traditional boarding can sometimes be stressful and isolating for dogs. That experience inspired her to create something different. Explorers intentionally keeps its roster small so every dog receives individualized attention from the same experienced trainer throughout their stay.

Over the years, Nicole has accumulated countless memorable stories. She helped nurse Zeke, a severely malnourished rescue puppy, back to health before he went on to complete the Iditarod. She also fostered Gracie, who recovered from major surgery before becoming a beloved therapy dog and starring as Sandy in Annie. She's even cared for working Karelian Bear Dogs that help manage human-wildlife conflicts and has trained alongside future K9 handlers from both Fairbanks and North Pole.

Nicole says the best part of her work isn't just spending time with dogs—it's meeting thoughtful pet owners who genuinely care about giving their companions the best possible life and being considerate neighbors through responsible dog ownership.

When asked what she loves most about Fairbanks, Nicole doesn't hesitate. She appreciates a community that values grit, integrity, and independence over titles or appearances—a place where people earn respect through hard work, lend a helping hand when it's needed, and aren't afraid to forge their own path.

Connect with Explorers:

Website || Facebook

Ongoing
Sandhill Crane Festival — August 17-23

Tuesday August 18
Alaska Primary Election Day — 7am-8pm
Southside Community Farmers Market — 4-6:30pm
Pioneer Park Pickers Weekly Music Jam — 6:30-8:30pm

Wednesday August 19
UAF Geophysical Institute Free Public Tour — 1pm

Thursday August 20
Food Truck Thursdays at Alaska Gear Company — 11am-3pm
Poker Flats Research Range Free Walking Tour — 2pm
Downtown Market at the Golden Heart Plaza— 4-8pm
Artlinks — 5:30-6:30pm

Friday August 21
Senior Potluck — 12pm-2pm
The Workshop - Featuring The Folk School — 5:30-8:30p
What is the Aurora? Why Does it Dance All Over the Sky? Presentation at the Morris Thompson Cultural Center — 6-7pm

Saturday August 22
Tanana Valley Children’s Market — 9am-12pm
The Workshop - Featuring The Folk School — 10:30am-6:30pm
Children’s Museum Career Day at Pioneer Park — 11am-2pm
Bikes & Dinos — 11am-3pm
Tabletop Game Cafe — 12:30-4:30pm
Far North Currant Festival — 1-4pm
Back to School Bash at Snedden Memorial Park — 4-6pm
End of Line One Year Anniversary Party — 4-7pm

Sunday August 23
The Workshop - Featuring The Folk School — 10:30am-2:30pm
Matt Rife at the Carlson Center — 7:30pm

Monday August 24
Chess Club at Noel Wien Library — 5:30-7pm
Gazebo Nights at Pioneer Park — 6-7pm

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.

Last week we asked “What's one thing every newcomer to Fairbanks should experience at least once?”

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Your Friends at FYI Fairbanks