The Polaris opened in 1949 and was first owned by a lady named May Bale.  During the 1980's, a local artist who called himself Marvelous Marv drew the caricatures of the Polaris patrons that were framed and adorned the wall of the bar.  Many people remember and will miss the Wet Buns (mens) and Wet T-Shirt (women's) contests that were held during the Iditarod.  The Polaris joins the ranks of too many historic Alaskan establishments that we have lost to fire.  RIP Polaris.  Gone, but forever notorious.                  Doug Vandegraft (author, A Guide to the Notorious Bars of Alaska).