Each year, the Midnight Sun Council and Boy Scouts of America honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Alaska's quality of life at our Legends and Heroes Banquet. In 2025, we are focusing on the theme of “Giving Back” and honoring Kris Capps and Randy Zarnke.
Kris Capps came to Alaska in 1980 from Wyoming and found her niche in the Interior, splitting her time between Denali Park and Fairbanks. She has served as a columnist/community editor for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner for more than 30 years and happily highlights the good work and accomplishments of local Alaskans. Kris was the Alaska correspondent for People Magazine for several years.
She is passionate about kayaking and for many years organized the Chena River Slalom Race during Golden Days and the Nenana River Wild water Festival in the Denali area. She joined the Denali nonprofit Kids In Motion in 2000 where she helps kids stay healthy and active while supporting the arts/humanities. She collaborates with Fairbanks businesses and agencies, to bring programs and concerts to the Denali area. She is a member of the Museum of the North’s Interpretive Committee and sits on several local Denali Borough committees. Kris raised her daughter Marin at Denali.
Randy Zarnke grew up in central Wisconsin, playing sports, hunting and fishing. After earning undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry and advanced degrees in Veterinary Science and Wildlife Ecology, Randy moved to Fairbanks and worked for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game as a wildlife biologist, specializing in wildlife diseases and parasites.
Randy joined the Alaska Trappers Association, and has served as president for nearly 20 years. He has recorded more than 200 oral history interviews with Alaskan outdoorsmen including hunters, guides, trappers and fishermen, and has written or edited several books on Alaskan history through the Trappers. He is one of the founders of the Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame, as well as Fairbanks Hockey Week, a mid-winter celebration of the sport. Randy has also contributed to scholarships for students in wildlife biology.
The 5th annual Legends and Heroes Banquet honoring Kris Capps and Randy Zarnke will be held at Pioneer Park Centennial Center on Wednesday May 7th, 2025. We would be thrilled to have you join us for the evening please mark your calendars! We are still seeking event sponsorships that include advertising and seating at the event. Fun and entertainment will be abundant throughout the evening. If you are unable to attend and still wish to support this event, we have a few special opportunities just for you. Please direct any questions to Stacy Brandon or CJ Stewart at the Earl and Pat Cook Council Service Center at 907-452-1976.
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