2024 Friday Fling in full swing

PALMER — The 2024 Friday Fling season is officially underway.

Friday Fling is an annual summer market that features a wide variety of local vendors selling a variety of goods such as original artwork, clothing, accessories, and fresh produce. It also attracts a spectrum of local food trucks to offer a palpable pallet of flavors to choose from.

Those visiting Friday Fling can enjoy live music performed by local artists each week, adding to the all around experience.

Crafty Creations by Tamara owner Tamara Chipman is one of numerous vendors selling her items at Friday Fling. Chipman said that she's enjoyed her first year as Friday Fling vendor so far, and the steady stream of customers has been fairly encouraging.

“It's been busy,” Chipman said.

Chipman runs her vendor booth with help from her daughter Ally Robbins. She said it's great to have her along for this new and exciting journey.

“We have a lot of fun," Chipman said.

This is Chipman's breakout year as an emerging small business owner. She said that she's made art her whole life and her family finally convinced her to take the leap and get her work out there.

“I just love making things and people enjoying it," Chipmans said.

Robbins said that she's thrilled that her mom embarked on this unique adventure.

“I think it's really exciting for her. It's something to be proud of for sure," Robbins said.

Chipman said that she appreciates the welcoming and supportive atmosphere Friday Fling offers.

“I love it. It's been awesome. Everyone has been super nice here," Chipman said.

Nugen's Ranch is one of several produce vendors participating in Friday Fling this year.

Nugen's Ranch is owned and operated by Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Inc. that not only features a treatment facility but an expansive farming operation run by clients with hay fields, large vegetable gardens, livestock pens, chicken coops, and a large year-round greenhouse.

Blade Aycock is one of several Nugen's Ranch clients that runs the vendor booth at Friday Fling. He said it’s been a fruitful endeavor that helps them connect with the community.

“It's going really, really well,” Aycock said. “It's nice to just come out and see the families come out here enjoying the sunshine and just having a good time.”

The Nugen's Ranch booth sells a variety of produce and flowers each week at Friday Fling. Aycock noted that they also participate in the Wasilla Farmers Market.

“We keep our greenhouse completely stocked,” Aycock said.

Aycock said that he appreciates the fact that Nugen's Ranch clients can get hands-on training and learn skilled trades while they're in treatment.

“It's really amazing," Aycock said.

Aycock said it feels good contributing to the

produce shopping experience at Friday Fling.

“Palmer was built on that. It's sort of a staple of Friday Fling,” Aycock said.

Tundra Comic creator Chad Carpenter has been a Friday Fling vendor for many years. He said that he looks forward to it every year, especially as a Mat-Su Valley resident.

“I love it. I even skipped out on some of the Anchorage stuff because this is so much fun," Carpenter said. I think it's a great idea. I think Palmer has always reminded me of a little Hallmark town. I've always loved the feel of it.”

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce hosts Friday Fling each year. For more information, visit palmerchamber.org/fridayfling.

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