Located near the confluence of the Tanana and Chena Rivers Fairbanks is the second largest city of Alaska with over 80000 residents. It is 370 road miles north of Anchorage . It is the second largest city of Alaska with over 80000 residents. As a picturesque city with many breath taking attractions Fairbanks is known for its hinterland gold mines and hot springs.
Weather
Fairbanks suffers remarkable extremes of climate. Winter temperatures drop to -70°F and summer temperature tops to 90°F. Because of its proximity to the Arctic Circle it experiences over 21 hours of sunlight in midsummer. Unlike anywhere else in the world midnight baseball games take place under natural light. Even 2am bar leavers are greeted by bright sunshine.
The racial makeup of the city is as follows
White- 66.67%
Black- 11.15%
Native American- 9.91%
Asian- 2.72%
Pacific Islander- 0.54%
Other races- 2.45%
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Seasonal Attractions
One of the major winter attractions in Fairbanks is the spectacular aurora borealis. The Ice Festival in mid-March is also an important attraction. It includes ice sculpting competition and open sled dog race on the frozen downtown streets. Summer visitors run into the three-day World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in mid-July. Contestants from around the state compete in the standard dance, art and sports competitions, as well as some unusual ones like ear-pulling, knuckle hop, high kick and the blanket toss. This contest is unique in the sense that age and wisdom often defeat youth and strength.
Transport
People travel to Fairbanks by Alaska Railroad. The Alaska Railroad offers daily summer service from Fairbanks each morning to Denali National Park, Talkeetna and Anchorage.
Journey by cars is also very popular. The major highways are all paved and easily traveled in summer.
Fairbanks also has an international airport. Major carriers offer service from the region. Alaska Airlines also offers a number of convenient flights each day between Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Fairbanks is one of the most important city of Alaska.
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