A 200-foot piece of dirt road that was punched into Katmai National Park and Preserve 10 years ago has been removed so the site can be revert to its natural state, protecting archaeological features there.

The small bit of road near Lake Brooks was built by mistake, without proper consultation with regional Native tribes and Native organizations, the National Park Service said. It wound up covering parts of two underground sod homes, sites known in Alutiiq culture as ciqluaqs and in Russian as barabaras.

Originally intended as tool to shorten an existing service road and help keep vehicles from getting too close to an historic cabin that had been hit a couple of times by buses, the road section was never actually used, said Mark Sturm, Katmai’s superintendent. The problems it caused became apparent shortly after it was built in the summer of 2014, he said.

“It was not appropriate for us to have done that, and certainly not to have done it in the absence of having done our due diligence,” said Sturm, who was not at Katmai at the time. Construction of the road section “upset a bunch of people,” he said.

“The biggest thing that we did wrong was to have done that work without having done proper consultation and without having done proper historic preservation,” he said.

The removal, which was completed last week, required some delicate work, including some hand digging around the two barabara sites, Sturm said. It was also the subject of an agreement between several Native organizations and the park, and a tribal representative monitored the work, according to the park.

Beyond this bit of road, the park has reformed its practices to ensure proper tribal consultation and prevent any similar problems in the future, Sturm said. “We have our ducks in our row,” he said. “We’re doing it right now.”

Katmai National Park and Preserve, which sprawls over 4 million acres, is known for its salmon-eating bears, its lakes and its volcanic landscapes. It is the setting for an annual online event called Fat Bear Week, which has drawn global audiences of people casting their votes for the bears considered to have been most successful at packing on weight in preparation for winter hibernation.  

Katmai has been part of the U.S. national park system for more than a century. It was established as a national preserve in 1918, then expanded several times later until it was established in its present form through the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

The second weekend of the Alaska State Fair is upon us with lots of fun on tap. Thursday is AARP Day and admission is just $3 between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday is Kids’ Day, and kids 12 and under get in free. Family Day is Saturday, so kids 12 and under get a $2 discount. A donation of two shelf-stable food items is encouraged for those enjoying the special days.

There’s plenty of music, rides, food and much more to enjoy. Here’s a look at some of the highlights, plus information on the main stage Borealis Theatre concerts.

Thursday

Cowboy Olympics Noon at the Events Tent

This family-friendly event is an opportunity to play cowboy games and try some cornhole, horseshoes and roping.

Baby Goat Yoga 4 p.m. at Alaska’s News Source Corral

Open to ages 10 and up, yoga doesn’t get any better than this with baby goats trying their best to get some cuddles.

Midnight Sun Cloggers 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage

This all-female dance team is sure to make some noise with an entertaining clogging routine.

Friday

Diaper Derby & Toddler Trot 1 p.m. at Alaska’s News Source Corral

These fun races are open for kids ages 6 months to 4 years with prizes for all age categories. Sign-ups start at 12:30 p.m. with races at 1 p.m.

Kids’ Day Games 2 p.m. at Alaska’s News Source Corral

Kids’ Day continues with plenty of games and races for prizes. Open for ages 5-9, there are classics like the wheelbarrow race, frog jump, potato sack race and doughnut eating.

Just For Kids Cookie Contest 7 p.m. at Hoskins Exhibits

The Cabbage Fairies judge this contest. It’s open to kids age 5-12 with one entry per child. Cookies should be based on this year’s theme, “Enjoy the Ride.”

Saturday

Canine Stars 1:30 p.m./3:30 p.m./5:30 p.m./7 p.m. at Alaska News Source Corral

This team of mostly rescued dogs soars in an extreme stunt dog show, which includes agility racing, high jump, freestyle frisbee disc, dancing dogs, and dock diving.

Mullet Mania 4 p.m. at SBS Woodlot

Prepare for a business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back mullet contest. Categories include “Mini Mullet” for ages 0-12, “Speed-Trap Mullet” for ages 13-21, “Neck Warmer Mullet” for ages 21 and over, “The Shullet” for women of all ages, and the “Silver Fox” — must have grey or silver hair.

Rodeo Alaska Champions Tour 2 p.m. at Grandstand

The top cowboys and cowgirls from Alaska and contestants from all over the Northwest compete for more than $30,000. Tickets are $17 for 13 and up and $12 for kids 6-12.

Sunday

Alaska Seafood Throwdown 12:30 p.m./2 :30 pm/4:30 p.m.

Alaskan chefs do battle in the Throwdown using Alaska seafood. Stop by to sample their creations and place your people’s choice vote.

Pack Goat Demonstrations Noon/2 p.m./4 p.m. at Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits

If you’re interested in using pack goats for hunting or hiking, this is a stop to make at the Fair.

Monday

18th Annual Alaska Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off 2 p.m. at Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits

One of the most anticipated events takes place Monday afternoon as an Alaska grower may break the current state record of 2,147 pounds. Entries are processed from 11 a.m. –1 p.m. and the weigh-off begins at 2 p.m.

Horse Costume Contest 5 p.m. at the Rance Equestrian Center

Horses are dressed to look their best with a variety of fun and interesting costumes.

Sankofa Dance Theatre 3:30/4:30 p.m. at Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage

Traditional African songs and dance from Sankofa Dance Theatre. The word “Sankofa” is derived from the Twi language of Ghana, and means “Go back and fetch it.”

This week’s main stage Borealis Theatre concerts

• Thursday: Country music superstar Wynonna Judd kicks off the second weekend of concerts at the Alaska State Fair. Judd is in the Country Music Hall of Fame and is a five-time Grammy Award winner. Concert at 7 p.m.; doors open 5:30 p.m.; tickets cost $89 for reserved seating/$49 for lawn seating.

• Friday/Sunday: The most popular man at the Fair appears to be Ludacris. The hip-hop legend’s first announced show at the fair sold out within a day, prompting a second date that sold out just as quickly.

• Saturday: Launched by the sister-brother duo of Lzzy and Arejay Hale, Halestorm has evolved into a best-selling rock quartet. Lzzy Hale became the first female to earn a Grammy in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category in 2013. Concert at 7 p.m.; doors open 5:30 p.m.; tickets cost $69 for reserved seating/$59 for lawn seating.

• Monday: NEEDTOBREATHE is the final act during the second weekend of the fair, bringing an alt-rock vibe. The Grammy-nominated rock band has more than 2 billion career streams across all platforms. Concert at 7 p.m.; doors open 5:30 p.m.; tickets cost $79 for reserved seating/$45 for lawn seating.