The unemployment rate in Alaska is 7.8 percent, but it's likely to drop a little on Saturday.

The fourth annual Eagle River Job Fair, featuring more than 45 employers, opens its doors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eagle River Lions Club.

Several community groups came together to hold the free event, said Susan Gorski, Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce executive director.

"We've been able to scrimp together the funding so that we can get the employers out here and get our people to work," Gorski said.

The groups range from the university of Alaska Anchorage to the new Eagle River Fred Meyer store, which, in addition to helping fund the event, donated a $50 gift certificate to be presented as a door prize.

For the second straight year, Raytheon Polar Services will be on hand, recruiting for hundreds of positions in Antarctica. Gorski said Raytheon is a major backer of the fair, arranging for a live radio feed on KNIK-FM.

"My favorite part of the job fair is how eclectic it is," said Kelly Estepp of the Eagle River Job Center. "You can interview for health and social services, or sign up to go to Antarctica."

For more information of the job fair, call Merry Braham at 694-4702, or log on to jobs.state.ak.us.