The sound of laughter fills the air. Children run toward the Kids Zone where colorful face painting and balloon animals await. Music drifts across the gathering crowd, filled with families, friends, and supporters coming together for a common cause. At the center of it all, Santa Claus himself waves warmly, welcoming everyone to a truly special day in the heart of North Pole, Alaska.
This is NAMIWalks Fairbanks 2025, presented by Kinross Fort Knox — and you’re invited to be part of it.
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, we’ll come together at the Interim North Pole Welcome Center (441 N Santa Claus Lane) for a day full of hope, connection, and action for mental health. Whether you’re walking, running, volunteering, or simply cheering others on, every step you take brings us closer to a world where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Registration opens at 10:00 AM, and every participant should stop by the registration/check-in table upon arrival.
There’s plenty to enjoy while you wait for the walk to start: Visit our vendor and resource tables to discover local mental health services and support. Share the excitement with the kids in the Kids Zone where face painting, balloon artists, Parks and Rec activities, games, and cornhole await!
🎅 Opening Ceremony at 10:30 AM — featuring the North Pole High School JROTC Color Guard and a special welcome from Santa Claus himself!
🎶 Music and Warm-Up — We’ll get everyone moving and ready for the walk with an energetic community warm-up session.
🎁 Door Prizes — Register and you could win:
- A Family Membership to the Fairbanks Children’s Museum
- Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum tickets
- A beautiful Star Lamp from Enchanted Forest Toys
- A NAMIWalks Team Captain Swag Bag
A Walk to Remember
The walk will step off at 11:00 AM, starting from the Welcome Center. As you move along the 5K route, you’ll experience little moments of encouragement and celebration at every turn:
- Pause at the “You Are Not Alone Wall” at Terry Miller Memorial Park where the outdoor food pantry and book library stand beside the Wall filled with hope and resources for all who stop by. You’ll be cheered on by the roaring support of the North Pole Lions Club lion mascot.
- Grab water and snap a photo at our first water station at The North Pole landmark, where the Girl Scouts will be there to keep you hydrated.
- Walk past the Santa Claus House where Santa’s reindeer will be grazing nearby — a perfect reminder that the Christmas spirit exists everywhere.
- Be cheered on at the final water stop by the team at Katie’s Way Plus, standing proudly in support of mental health for veterans and our community.
For our running enthusiasts, there’s the option to time your 5K run — and if you’re feeling ambitious, two laps will make it a 10K!
When you cross the finish line, remember to check out at the same registration table where you checked in. Pick up your goodie bag stocking (while supplies last), and see if you won a door prize!
Community Powered
Safety and hospitality are a top priority:
- The North Pole Masons will serve as Trail Guides, ensuring the course stays safe and enjoyable.
- City of North Pole staff will help monitor intersections to protect walkers and runners.
- We’re grateful to the North Pole Chamber of Commerce for hosting our activities and to the North Pole Lions Club and North Pole Adventure LEOs for their amazing behind-the-scenes support.
Their commitment — along with yours — is what makes this event possible. Together, we are strong. Together, we raise our voices for mental health.
Why We Walk
Every step you take at NAMIWalks Fairbanks helps to fund free mental health education, support groups, and outreach provided by NAMI Fairbanks, reaching all of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
When you walk, you’re honoring every story of recovery, standing with those who are struggling, and sending a clear message: Mental health matters. You are not alone.
This year’s national theme is: I am. You are. We are NAMIWalks.
Join us in celebrating that message and encouraging others to do the same.
Take lots of pictures and post on social media using the hashtags: 👉 #NAMIWalksFairbanks and #NAMIWalks
Join us!
Register today and step forward with us toward a brighter, healthier future:
👉 namiwalks.org/fairbanks
Come walk with us—and let’s make this a day to remember!
