"The 75th Anniversary of the Fur Rondy"

"The Alaska State Fair Song"

"Lest we Forget"

"

"We're In"

Here's the link to my new youtube site

http://www.youtube.com/user/ValleyBalladeer

My Years in the 49th State

C

My Bio

• Born in the territory of Alaska in 1953, watched it become a state in 1959, felt and lived through the 1964 earthquake.  I saw the first man walk on the moon, survived and lived in the 1971 "Butte" flood area, fought and lived in the 1996 Miller's Reach Big Lake Fire area.
• In 1970, Scott Hollembaek and I wanted our own snowmobile race in the Butte, the result was starting (with the help of our parents) The Mat-Su Motormushers Club.  I Won its first race, 2 years in a row (The Palmer Classic) (1971-72).
• Was listed in Who's Who of Alaska in 1971 for a feat in the Wasilla 20 Grand Prix snowmobile race. I finished in the top 3, all 3 were teenagers. This was the first time ever teenagers swept the podium.
• In 1984, I helped form and became the first elected President of The Alaska State Snowmobile Association. In 1986, as President, helped to form the Hatchers Pass Management Area, allowing snowmobiles in most areas.  In 1990, co-built the Big Lake multi-use trail system in the Big Lake area. Won the coveted Bob Grosse Community Service award for it in 1992, (along with co-builder Doug Fisher).
• In 1985-87 was Tech Director for the Iron Dog Race
• In 1988-89 was Race Director for The Iron Dog Race, but after nearly dieing in the mountains flying and staying ahead of the racers I quit, and became just a vollunteer for flagman on the trails outside of Big Lake
• In 2002 was part of the Palmer Hay Flats management team, keeping a multi-use corridor provided, from the Anchorage Borough border to the Knik area, across the Palmer Hay Flats for future trail plans linking the 2 areas. Also successful in getting electric motors allowed on Wasilla creek during silver salmon fishing season, to allow handicapped the opportunity to get to where the fish are at without paddling.
•  I had been in the snowmobile industry since 1968, and considered by many to be
•  "The Father of Recreational Snowmobiling" in the Mat- Su area.
• Owned my own snowmobile business from 1994 to 2010.
• Did a radio trail report weekly, and reported races for both KMBQ and KAYO local radio stations. 
• Wrote and recorded the theme song for KAYO Country Legends 100.9 F.M.
• Was President of Big Lakes Fire Service Board for 2 years, as well as on the Big Lake road service board for years.
• Turned my interests to music in 2005.  
• Recorded the Iron Dog Song, The Arctic Man song, The Alaska State Fair song, The 50th anniversary of the State of Alaska song, The 75th Anniversary of The Fur Rendezvous song.

• Have sang at many many Senior Complexes and functions, in Alaska and now Washington and Idaho. Am a member of Project Joy out of Spokane, Washington.
• I have helped record a CD called Alaskan Country, by Les Reynolds

Music is my true passion, I only wish I had followed my heart sooner.

South from Alaska....Goin south to Coeur d'Alene

Ruby has inspired me to write a new song called South from Alaska

An Alaska State Fair Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6vjcoP8Q3s

An Alaska State Fair Song

www.youtube.com

Written in April 2010, It is my tribute to the staff, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and participants of the biggest event of the year, every year, in Alaska. Song written and recorded by myself, Wes Hamrick-The Valley Balladeer, in my front room. Special thanks to Les Reynolds and Greg Stoddard