To the editor:

In February while in Fairbanks participating in my gubernatorial campaign activities, I visited the World Ice Art Championships with my brother. As lifelong Alaskans, myself having been born in Fairbanks, we could not believe that neither of us had experienced this event that has been a part of Fairbanks’ history for more than 20 years.

I could speak only in superlatives when telling my wife about this phenomena, so when she accompanied me to participate in Winter Carnival events a couple of weeks later, seeing the ice sculptures at night was at the top of our “to do” list. Donna’s anticipation heightened after hearing the reports shared at the breakfast table at the Four Seasons B&B with guests from Florida and Kentucky who had traveled to Fairbanks specifically to enjoy the winter fun — ice fishing, viewing the northern lights, mushing, sled dog races, Chena Hot Springs — and the extraordinary ice carvings.

For decades, I have seen various communities struggle in an attempt to create “winter tourism.” Having been in the tourism business myself in Valdez for many years, I am well aware of the impact that winter tourism can have on the local economy. I was astounded to learn that the ice carvings draw 40,000 park entrants from nearly every state and more than 40 countries each year. And what a boost for the winter morale with all of the volunteer opportunities, the full slate of activities and the bustling economy in February and March, typically slow months for many communities.

Fairbanks’ “can do” spirit has accomplished great things in the way of winter tourism. The entire community is to be applauded for this success. You have taken your extreme winter temperatures that could be viewed a negative and turned that into an advantage to host world-class events and attract visitors and news media from around the globe. Note to all Alaskans, next winter, get to Fairbanks and partake of the wonder and the fun. This is Alaska at its best!

Bill Walker

Read letter at www.newsminer.com.