Community invited to Sparktacular Celebration

December 23, 2011

Marmian Grimes

UAF photo by Todd Paris. Fireworks shot from UAF's West Ridge help residents of Fairbanks celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alaska  statehood.
UAF photo by Todd Paris. Fireworks shot from UAF's West Ridge help residents of Fairbanks celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood.
Marmian Grimes
907-474-7902
12/23/11
Download a PDF of the event map
The community is invited to visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus on New Year’s Eve for the Fairbanks Curling Lions 22nd annual Sparktacular Celebration. Fireworks will be launched from UAF’s West Ridge Saturday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.

University fire and police departments will provide logistical support for the event and will close roads and ski trails near the staging area at 7:30 p.m.

>Both Thompson Drive and West Tanana Drive will be open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The UAF Police Department is also encouraging drivers to turn right as they exit campus parking lots after the event. Visit www.uafnews.com for a complete map of open and closed areas. Watch for signs and emergency personnel on the day of the event for additional guidance.

The University of Alaska Museum of the North will serve free hot cocoa and cookies, while supplies last. The museum galleries will be open to the public at no charge from 7-9 p.m.

Alaska Railroad trains travel through the area between 7:30 and 9 p.m. Alaska Railroad officials request that spectators, both pedestrian and those on snowmachines, remain clear of the railroad tracks for safety reasons.

The Sparktacular event is organized by Mike Thomas, owner of University Chevron, and is sponsored by the following Fairbanks community groups and businesses:

• Midnight Sun Lions
• University Chevron
• NAPA Auto Parts
• Gas & Diesel Doctor
• Fairbanks Youth Sports
• Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
• Dunlap Insurance Agency
• Carl’s Jr.
• Sourdough Fuel and Petro Star
• Mt. McKinley Bank
• Tanana Valley Television Fox 7/CBS 13
• Sani-Can of Fairbanks
• Interior Towing and Salvage
• Interior NAPA AutoCare Centers
• University of Alaska Fairbanks
• The Hair’em

NOTE TO EDITORS: A downloadable map is available in JPEG format at www.uafnews.com.

NW/12-23-11/129-12