Girdwood Fungus Fair festivities kick off at Alyeska

Fungus fairies pose for a picture under a massive toadstool during last year’s Fungus Fair. This year, the second annual Girdwood Fungus Fair is being held Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-7. There is a Fungus Fair formal dinner Friday, Sept. 4 at The Hotel Alyeska from 7-10 p.m.

By Kelly Bandoch
Special to the Turnagain Times

While considering your plans for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, be sure to run through the schedule for the second annual Girdwood Fungus Fair, Sept. 4-7.

There are activities to be enjoyed by mushroom lovers of all ages varying from, donning your fanciest outfits for a five-course feast, to digging in the dirt for many varieties of local fungi.

Beginning Sept. 4, the Girdwood Community Room (across from the library) will be open daily with fungus displays, forays and workshop registration, shirt, art and book sales.

Dust off your sequins and bowties for the Fungus Fair Formal held Friday, Sept. 4 from 7-10 p.m. in the Kahiltna Court at The Hotel Alyeska. Enjoy gourmet fungal fare created by Alyeska Resort Executive Chef, Michael Flynn, followed by a live auction with items donated by local artists and businesses. Dine with your toes tapping to a swing/gypsy jazz band, Hot Club of Nunaka.

The dinner is sponsored by the Byrne family with all proceeds to benefit the Girdwood Trails Committee. Tickets are $75 and on sale now at the Tram Ticket Office.

The Fun-guy, Fun-gal, Fun Run and Spore Sprint will be held again this year at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5. Registration will be held at Girdwood Elementary beginning at 8 a.m. The race will take place on the Iditarod Trail traveling approximately 4.6 miles. The Spore Sprint for kids is approximately one mile.

Enhance your awareness and knowledge of area fungi by joining us in a number of presentations by renowned mycologists, ecologists and nature lovers as well as organized forays.

Let loose on the grass floor during a free acoustic concert with Melissa Mitchell and The Photonz in The Hotel Alyeska Courtyard. All ages are welcome. There will be a beer and wine garden with food available for purchase. Get your tickets in advance at the Tram Ticket Office for free! Tickets are limited to the first 400 guests.

The Girdwood Fungus Fair is a great way to learn more about the beauty and bounty of this place we all love. Don’t miss out and help us spread the word.

All of the events and information are posted on our website at www.fungusfair.com.