Former resident stays connected from North Pole
By Holly EricksonCarlo Zanazzo lives in North Pole, Alaska. Yes, the North Pole. Not only that, but he’s a subscriber to the Canton Citizen — and has been for quite some time now. He is a man who lives almost 3,300 miles away and yet remains deeply interested in and devoted to the community in which he grew up.
Bonnie and Carlo Zanazzo
Zanazzo and his wife, Bonnie, have spent 42 years in North Pole, “where the spirit of Christmas lives year round.” They raised three children there and now thoroughly enjoy their time with their kids and seven grandchildren. As Zanazzo expressed, “There’s no reason to leave.”
And yet Zanazzo has indeed left Alaska and returned to his hometown of Canton. Whether to visit family or attend his 50th high school reunion, he has been drawn back here quite a few times through the years. His visits and his subscription to the Citizen allow him to stay connected to his roots.
Growing up on Grand Street — off of Walpole Street — Zanazzo was a graduate of the Canton High School Class of 1956. In 1958, he joined the Air Force, a decision that would cause him to leave Canton and allow him to travel extensively. His travels brought him two loves — Bonnie, who he met on a stay in Idaho, and Alaska, which he first saw in 1961.
His time in the Air Force brought him stays in Puerto Rico, New York, and Indiana, to name a few. But it was Alaska that won his heart. That first visit made its impact, and through the years he worked to get back there. In 1970, after nine years of trying, his dream came true. He and his family relocated to North Pole, and they’ve been there ever since.
Life in North Pole — a close-knit community just outside of Fairbanks with a population of around 2,000 people — has been good to Zanazzo and his family. He and Bonnie have all of their family within four miles of their home. They have cruised the Alaskan coast, been on a polar bear expedition, and most recently were named king and queen of the North Pole.
The honor of becoming this year’s regents of the North Pole is part of a tradition that dates back more than 40 years. Carlo and Bonnie, nominated and selected as this year’s king and queen by the previous regents, were crowned in early December. Being crowned is just the beginning of a year-long adventure, during which duties include attending birthday parties at the Senior Center, greeting the new kindergarten class, and riding in the 4th of July parade. With many of these activities, the couple dons their royal garb.
And in past tradition, that royal garb is worn and captured by photograph in front of landmarks around the world. About a month ago, the couple wore their crowns and robes as they stood before Diamondhead in Hawaii. And on this trip, the Citizen joined the Zanazzos and their costumes. Carlo brought articles to share with his cousin in Hawaii, a gesture that reveals just how much Carlo is still connected to his hometown.
After 42 years living in Alaska, the Zanazzos still subscribe to the Citizen. “I have to keep up with my hometown,” he explained. “I’m interested in the vets section and the articles that are part of the Historical Society, but I hate the obits.”
While the beauty of Alaska made Zanazzo and his wife settle down thousands of miles away, Canton is still with Carlo. “I’ll always think of Canton,” he said.
Carlo, an avid hunter who has become accustomed to hunting moose and caribou, may even return for the small game. He joked, “I’m almost ready to come back and get some squirrels.”
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=11879
Posted by Holly Erickson
on Feb 22 2012. Filed under Features.
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