BIG BEARS BIG VEGGIES 2026
Join us at the sanctuary at 12PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, to watch the Brown Bears chow-down!
Every year at the Alaska State Fair one of the main attractions is the giant prized vegetables with record-breaking pumpkins, giant cabbage, and impressive squash. But as HarvestFest ends, what happens to all the vegetables? The veggies head south to attract a different crowd. The growers and the Alaska State Fair generously donate the vegetables to the animals of AWCC.
“Big Bears Big Veggies is more than a playful spectacle—it’s a vivid demonstration of community, conservation, and connection,” says Sarah “Howie” Howard, Executive Director of AWCC. “With the Alaska State Fair and local farmers’ generosity, this event transforms surplus produce into an educational and enriching experience for both our bears and community members alike.”
This beloved annual event celebrates the grandeur of harvest season by giving AWCC’s resident brown bears a chance to feast on an extraordinary assortment of vegetables. The displayed produce—featuring giant pumpkins, massive cabbage, and impressive squash—comes directly from the Alaska State Fair’s HarvestFest, along with generous contributions from local growers and community donors.
Event Highlights:
- Veggies will be on display by Friday, September 11 at Bison Hall, offering a preview of the feast to come.
- On Saturday, September 12, starting at 12:00 p.m., visitors can watch the brown bears indulge in their vegetable buffet in their habitat.
- Facebook LIVE: For those unable to attend in person, the excitement will be available via Facebook LIVE at 12:00 PM AKDT
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- Brown Bear with Pumpkin
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- Brown Bear Eating Pumpkin
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- Brown Bear Claws and Pumpkin
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