5 Things to do in Mat-Su: Feb. 2, 2018

1) Susitna River Watershed Winter Speaker Series

“Join photographers Howard Carbone and Ryan Peterson for a journey up the Susitna like you have never seen it before.”

TALKEETNA — This Friday, take a photographic tour of the Susitna Watershed, a series of new and familiar views of Alaskan wilderness. Featured will be a time-lapse video that provides a new look at the river's beauty, ecology, and seasonal changes. This will be a chance to witness the hidden beauties in nature, Susitna's wildlife captured on trail cameras. The event will wrap up with a moment to laugh as Ryan screens outtakes from his film ‘Super Salmon’. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7 p.m. The event is free and will take place at the Northern Susitna Institute, 13778 E 3rd St.

2) 57th State Winter Carnival in Willow

WILLOW — The State Winter Carnival is back for the last weekend at the Willow Community Center, located at Mile 69.5 Parks Highway. This is one of the state’s biggest winter events with countless activities to encourage everyone in Alaska to get out, move and have fun in the winter. Events will be both inside and outside of the center. Events include kids games, vendors, food, raffles and stage entertainment with everything from “bagpipes to belly dancers.” There will be sled dog racing, vintage snow machine races, snowshoe softball, ski races, poker run, ski races, Fat Tire demo and tryout, outhouse races and much more. Friday is bingo night. Saturday will be packed with activities like the outhouse race and Sven Eriksson 25K Tour/ Bike, Ski, or Run. Sunday will the PTA Pancake Breakfast only. For a full schedule and to see evening events go to: www.waco-ak.org, at 907-355-1418

3) Let the Journal Begin

“In this class she will combine the use of words, imagery, art techniques and mixed media to help you start and maintain a robust and beautiful illustrated journal.”

PALMER — This Sunday, published writer and artist Barbara Hunt will guide an Art Journaling workshop at 1 p.m. at Artists Uncorked. Hunt will assist each student through the creative process with an assortment of materials included with the class including a high quality 8x8 watercolor field journal.

Students will also get a gift bag starter kit. Mimosas and locally baked goods are complimentary. Registration to this class also opens access to an exclusive Facebook Group for “ongoing inspiration and collaboration with like-minded Artists.” The studio is located at 832 S Colony Way This class will take about three-and-a-half hours and cost $75. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.artistsuncorked.com/paint-night-calendar-

4) 4th Annual Ice Fishing Derby for a Cure

“Come on out for a great day of ice fishing with your friends and family and help us find a cure!”

This Saturday, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Alaska is hosting their Fourth Annual Ice Fishing Derby for a Cure on Finger Lake. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. in the basement of the Elks Lodge. Registration will remain open throughout the event. Fishing starts at 9 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. with the award ceremony with prizes to follow shortly after at 2:05. Prizes for fishing will be awarded to the top 3 anglers with the longest fish, for both the adult and children's divisions. There will also be a raffle and assorted activities for children in between fishing. The funds raised from this event will support over 100 Alaskan families fighting muscle disease. Tickets are available at the event and at Sportsman's Warehouse in Wasilla. Adults are $10, children (5-12) are $5, and children age 4 and under are admitted free. Adult entry tickets also serves as raffle tickets to try and win a remote auto start donated by Extreme Auto Accessories, a stand up freezer donated by Wasilla Lowes, and your chance at two round trip tickets on PenAIr. Note: Participants need not be present to win. For more information, email to hjohnson@mdausa.org.

5) Mat-Su Ski for Women - Fun Ski

PALMER — This Sunday, the Mat-Su Ski for Women are hosting a 4k Fun Ski at the Government Peak Recreation Area, starting at 11 a.m. Costumes are encouraged for this event and attendees are asked to bring a dish to share for a potluck that will follow immediately after the ski. There will also be a raffle. The skier with the best costume will be awarded the “Golden Ski Pole.” Registration starts at 10 a.m. All proceeds from this event will benefit Alaska Family Services. All ages, sizes, and abilities are invited to this community event. Admission is free but a $25 donation is suggested to support victims of domestic violence. The Mat-Su Ski Club will have T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts for sale to benefit Alaska Family Services. To pre-register, visit matsuski.org.