This is not an all-inclusive list, but describes some of the major annual events in the area:
Tripod days - Held in Nenana in February. A renowned Alaska tradition where the city of Nenana places a tripod on the frozen Tanana River. Alaskans wager thousands of dollars each year on the exact day and time to the minute of the Tanana River breakup. Traditionally, the falling of the tripod represents the official beginning of "break-up", which is the end of winter. In 1997, 14 people split $300,000 in prize money.
River Daze festival - Held in Nenana during the first week in June. Features activities including softball tournaments, music, watersports, vendors, arts and crafts, and a 10K race.
Anderson Bluegrass Festival - Held in Anderson during the last weekend in July. Activities include bluegrass and country music, vendors, and food. Members of the base volunteer their time to provide security and other support for this event.
Tanana Valley State Fair - Held in Fairbanks in August, this is one of the Interior's biggest celebrationsClear is located in the Denali Burrough. The name "Denali", which translates as "The Great One", is what the natives call Mount McKinley. Mt. McKinley is North America's highest peak at 20,300 feet. Denali Park, located about 55 miles from the base, offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to see nature at its most magnificent.
In the summer, most recreational activities involve fishing, hiking, and hunting. Nenana, Healy, and the Denali Park area are popular tourist stops and provide a wide range of services during the summer months. Refer to the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Section under Support Services for more information on outdoor recreation opportunities.
In the winter, outside activites include snow machining and cross country skiing. The chaplain sponsors a ski trip to Alyeska, the state's premier ski report, in March or April of each year. For obvious reasons, many winter recreational activites are focused indoors. Bowling, basketball and volleyball are the mainstay sports of the winter. The Polar Bar is often the center of social life, offering sporting events on a big screen television, weekly Karaoke and Bingo, and monthly "theme" parties.
We also receive visits from various DoD-sponsored entertainment acts throughout the year. In 2001, we received visits from DoD-sponsored stand-up comedians, Tops in Blue, and the Second City Comedy Troop. In early 2002, the Washington Redskin Cheerleaders paid us a visit.RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: The gymnasium is open 24 hours a day. Mens and womens saunas are available. Facilities are available for badminton, volleyball, basketball, weight lifting, floor hockey, and racquetball. The fitness center offers a wide variety of exercise equipment and an aerobics area. The weight lifting equipment consists of Nautilus, Universal, and free weights. Ping-Pong and pool tables are located in the mail room.
The library, located upstairs in building 200, maintains books to fulfill most reading needs (it is run by volunteers). Various equipment media, such as VHS recorders and cassette decks, are available for your use.
The Spacebowl bowling alley is located in the basement of the CCOM building and is open during the winter months. There are six bowling lanes with fully automatic scorekeepers.
POLARBAR: Clear Consolidated Open Mess (CCOM--the all ranks open mess) is a vital part of the overall services program. It is open for your social convenience, offering quality products to club members at affordable prices. The club offers various programs throughout the year such as bingo, live entertainment, snacks, theme nights, and other such activities.
AUTO CRAFT CENTER: An unmanned, two-bay auto hobby shop is available for minor repairs. One is an open bay, and the other is equipped with a lift. The facility may be used 24 hours a day by contacting Services during normal duty hours. Bring your own tools to supplement the limited basic tools provided.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Fishing: Excellent fishing can be found throughout Alaska. Many of the lakes and sloughs in the Fairbanks-Tanana Valley have ponds which are accessible by car or air. It is necessary to travel 150 miles south of Clear to get into the really good rainbow trout and salmon regions of Alaska. However, a good stock of fish is maintained on site in Lake Sansing. There is also excellent grayling fishing in many of the streams in the Clear area. If you have your own fishing gear, we recommend you bring it.
Hunting: There is hunting on site to include black bear, moose, grouse, and duck. If you choose to hunt on site, your big game tags are free. Should you choose to hunt off site, you may purchase non-resident tags at half price. Examples: non-resident moose tags are $400, your cost is $200, black bear tags are $350, you pay $175. You must have a guide to hunt sheep, goat, and grizzly bear. This could cost you several thousand dollars. Contact the site game wardens for more information on hunting and fishing rules.
Outdoor Sports: A high-quality softball diamond and outdoor tennis courts are used during the summer months. A sand volleyball court and horseshoe pit are also available during the summer. We recently purchased 4 ATV's for use during the summer months. Training is mandatory for use of these vehicles and is offered intermittently. Winter sports include downhill skiing at Fort Wainwright and Eielson AFB and commercial ski areas near Fairbanks and Anchorage. Snow machines are also popular during the winter and are available for rent by Services. The Recreational Services office has a variety of equipment in limited quantities available for check-out including ice skates, cross country skis, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and fishing rods and reels. Picnicking and canoeing facilities are available.
Tours: Various tours are provided by Services throughout the year. These may include trips to Denali National Park, movie runs in Fairbanks, or weekend trips to Anchorage. Check with Services to see what may be available during your stay.