UAF to host Sparktacular Celebration on New Year's Eve

December 20, 2017

Jeff Richardson
907-474-6284

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will conclude a year of centennial-themed activities during the 28th annual Fairbanks Curling Lions Sparktacular Celebration at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, on the Fairbanks campus.

The fireworks will begin with a special ground-based display near the Butrovich Building to recognize the conclusion of the university’s 100th anniversary year. Spectators will be able to see the piece from south of campus.

University fire and police departments will provide logistical support for the event and will close roads and ski trails near the staging area at 7:15 p.m. Alaska Railroad trains travel through the area, so railroad officials request that spectators, including pedestrians and those on snowmachines, remain clear of the tracks for safety reasons. See the map link below for details about road closures and restricted areas.

UAF plans to use a drone to film the fireworks display. The use of other unmanned aircraft will be prohibited during the event to avoid collisions.

The University of Alaska Museum of the North, which has previously been open to the public during the fireworks display, will be closed this year. Parking will still be available for spectators in most West Ridge lots.

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

Napa Auto Parts

Dunlap Insurance Agency

Mt. McKinley Bank

Sourdough Fuel/Petro Star

Sani-Can Inc.

Interior Towing and Salvage

Napa AutoCare Centers

Gas & Diesel Doctor

Fairbanks Youth Sports

Labrenz Landscaping

KTVF Channel 11, KXDR CBS 13, KFXF Channel 7

University of Alaska Fairbanks

University Chevron

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Marmian Grimes, 907-474-7902, mlgrimes@alaska.edu.

See a map of the Sparktacular site here.