Editor’s note: The price for general admission tickets has been corrected. The cost is $7.

As any Alaskan knows, the winters are long and cabin fever is highly contagious. At the same time, long winters are the perfect opportunity for people to cure their cabin fever with creativity and community fun.

The Anchor Point Public Library offers that opportunity at its annual Cabin Fever Variety Show fundraising event starting 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Chapman School.

This year, the Cabin Fever Variety Show features an exciting range of acts, including music and skits from the Homer Ukulele Group and Pier One Theatre. Individuals such as local artist Bill Cummings, Sarah and Silas Firth, and Steven Cannon will be performing instrumental and vocal music. Local poet and Anchor Point Library Board member Adriane Appelhanz will be reading selections of her original work, and Susan Tonkovich will be doing a sing-along. The show’s planning committee has decided this year’s show will be in memory of Betty Jo Goddard who died Nov. 27, 2017. In addition to having been a teacher and author, Goddard also was a pillar member of the Anchor Point writer’s group and book club. In addition, she is well remembered for her participation and humorous readings in previous Cabin Fever shows.

Tickets for the show will be sold at the door. Families can enjoy the show for $15. General admission tickets will be $7. Tickets for seniors over 55 and children under 12 will be $5 each.

Along with the performances by Homer and Anchor Point locals, the Variety Show holds a silent auction, where dessert and gift items will be up for bid.

Funds raised from previous Cabin Fever shows helped the Anchor Point Public Library open its permanent location at 34020 North Fork Road in 2015. Since then, the variety show has provided funds for the library’s operating costs, supplies and hardware, and building maintenance.

Many improvements have been made to the library since it was moved to its current location in 2015. Patrons can keep up with library news on their Facebook page, as well as access the online library database to see what books and media are available. The Anchor Point Public Library has recently obtained a DVD resurfacing machine.

In addition to having the ability to repair DVDs that can be checked out from the library, residents can bring their own DVDs to the library to be repaired for $1 each.

The library continues to serve the Anchor Point community well by providing a place for individuals and families to access computers and free Wi-Fi, apply for Alaska Permanent Fund Dividends, participate in reading programs, and enjoy a wide selection of books, audiobooks, movies, and more.

Although the Cabin Fever Variety Show has supported the Anchor Point Library since 1997, its origins can be traced back to 1951 when it began as a creative effort to support the Chapman School.

As stated in a historical background piece written by library board treasurer Mary Perry, Anchor Point residents needed to raise funds to expand the school that had been built on land donated some years previously by Sherman and Vi Chapman. They decided to put on the play “Henry Gubbins’ Mail Order Bride” and use the proceeds of the performance for building the new school.

The play was a hit with local residents, and the cast took it on the road, performing in Ninilchik, Homer and Kenai.

“Not only did the success of this play help Anchor Point raise a considerable amount toward funding the new school, it served as the springboard for a lasting tradition,” Perry wrote.

Thus, the Cabin Fever Variety Show was born, featuring local talent year after year, with proceeds benefitting local community organizations. The full story regarding the school expansion and the origins of the show can be found in the book “Go North, Young Man,” by Gordon Stoddard, who played Henry Gubbins in the original play.

The staff and volunteers at the Anchor Point Public Library welcome the community to this year’s Cabin Fever Variety Show. Come enjoy a night of talent, creativity, and fun.

All are encouraged to participate in the silent auction — don’t miss out on the opportunity to take home a delicious dessert or lovely gift item.