LARS event raises food donations
Guests learn about muskox from a Large Animal Research Station tour guide.
Sept. 17, 2026
Fairbanksans showed up for their community in a big way at LARS Locals Day, held on Sept. 12. Locals Day is an annual event at the Large Animal Research Station that serves as both an open house for the station and a food drive for the Fairbanks Community Food Bank.
LARS staff stand next to this year's Locals Day food donations.
The cost of admission was three non-perishable food items donated to the food bank; after donating, guests had the chance to see and learn about the muskoxen, reindeer and wood bison at LARS.
Despite the rainy weather, 866 people attended Locals Day, 100 more than last year. With more guests came more food donations. An impressive 1,989 pounds of food were donated to help stock the food bank’s shelves. "To put it into perspective, this year’s food [donations] will supply 905 meals to families," said Rachel Howe, a staff member at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank.
While Locals Day was the last day of summer hours at LARS this year, the research station will be open for tours this fall and winter. Visit the LARS website to learn more about upcoming tours and to buy tickets.