2022 Colony Days draws thousands of attendees

PALMER — The 2022 Colony Days event drew thousands of visitors from across the Valley and beyond for a full weekend of events, live music, local shopping, and activities for all ages.

“I think everything went really well. It was a great weekend all in all,” Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ailis Vann said.

According to Vann, over 3,000 people cycled through downtown Palmer over the weekend. She said this year drew in record numbers of participation in community events like the Bed Races. The annual parade is always the most widely attended event that fills the streets with colorful floats and jubilant spectators.

Vann said that Colony Days is a widely cherished summer tradition that celebrates Palmer’s history. She said the event has been going on for at least four decades and It’s become a staple for the Palmer community.

“People love festivals and this is our festival,” Vann said. “It’s always on people’s calendars.”

A variety of new and returning vendors sold their wares at the Colony Days marketplace throughout the weekend.

Vann said that venues like these can help new vendors build up their presence and experience with the public.

“These kinds of festivals are a great starting stepping stone,” Vann said.

David Nelson helped run the booth for his wife Jameson Nelson’s local small business Matanuska Pens. He said it was their second time participating in the market. He said they both live in Palmer and want to help support local businesses and endeavors.

This year, 10 percent of their Colony Days proceedings will go toward the Light Up Palmer project that aims to replace the Palmer Water Tower’s iconic holiday lights that were damaged in the severe wind storms in January. David said they’re invested in the community and want to help maintain the things they love about it.

“I just like the small-town feel of Palmer,” David said.

The Leather Peony owner Samantha Shanigan participated in the Colony Days market for the first time this year. She said it was extremely busy but plenty of fun.

“Today it felt like we were at the State Fair,” Shanigan said. “I think people are ready to get out and socialize with the community.”

As a lifelong resident of Palmer, Shanigan knows how much Colony Days has meant to so many people for so many years.

“It’s just very well known. Everybody knows about Colony Days,” Shanigan said.

Shanigan said that she enjoys watching events like the Bed Races and socializing with all the different people that make their way through.

“It’s how they keep those traditions alive,” Shanigan said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com