5 THINGS TO DO IN MAT-SU: Feb. 23, 2018

1) Hearts for Hunger fundraiser

“Please join us for an evening out to fight hunger in the Valley because, No one should go hungry.”

WASILLA — This Saturday at 6 p.m.is the Hearts for Hunger fundraising event at The Grill. The community is invited to spend an evening with the Mat-Su Food Bank to raise funds for their ongoing mission to end hunger in the Valley. There will be live auctions for all kinds of items. The Jerry Wessling Band will provide the musical entertainment for the evening. According to the event description, “some of the best food in the Valley” will be showcased for dinner plates. The attire for this event is semi-formal. The Grill is located at 2900 East Parks Highway. Tickets cost $60 and can be picked up at the Mat-Su Food Bank. Space is limited. The food bank is located at 501 East Bogard Road.For tickets or more information, call 907-357-3769.

2) Valley Performing Arts presents: ‘Our Town’

“It’s quiet yet stunning.” – Director, Wendy Golter

WASILLA — This is weekend, the Valley Performing Arts (VPA) center will perform ‘Our Town’, directed by Wendy Golter. A diverse troupe of actors banded together and adapted Thornton Wilder’s minimal, yet profound play, ‘Our Town.’ Tonight is the premier showing at 7 p.m. This is the second weekend, appearing at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The final run is next weekend. The Odd Couple steps into the lives of two families in a small town, in a story of love, marriage and death. Tickets are $19 for general admission and $17 for students/seniors They can be purchased at VPA or online at www.valleyperformingart.org.

3) Spaghetti Feed

“This shows that there is hope in our community with so many of us that are willing to do something to better ourselves and our neighbors out of pure kindness.” – Founder, Glenn Butts

WASILLA — This Sunday, the Christian Motorcycle Association is wrapping up their annual Bikers Against Hunger series with a Spaghetti Feed at the Mat-Su Alano Club. This fundraiser is an effort to support the growing need for food in the Mat-Su Valley. The event starts at 2 p.m. The Mat-Su Alano Club is located at 801-901 East Snohomish Drive. Admission is $10 or 10 cans of food. All donations and non-perishable foods go to local food banks like the Mat-Su Food Bank.

4) Boom Town Derby Dames VS. Rage City All-Stars

WASILLA — This Saturday at 7 p.m., the Boom Town Derby Dames are taking on the Rage City All-Stars at the Curtis D. Menard Sports Center. It’s the Valley vs. Anchorage in an epic showdown of the ages. The Derby Dames are currently ranked #63 in the state and are ready to roll with the #1 team, Boom Town. The Menard Sports Center is located at 1001 S Clapp Street, Tickets are $5-$16.66 and can be purchased at the door or online at:www.boomtownrollerderby.org.

5) 2018 JR. Iditarod Sled Dog Race starts this Saturday

WASILLA — The JR. Iditarod race is returning to the snowy trails this Saturday at 10 a.m. and wrapping up on Sunday. The junior mushers will cover 150 miles from start to finish. The winner of the race will be awarded a brand new sled and other assorted items donated by local businesses. Sponsors of the JR. Iditarod will award scholarships to the top ranking mushers: ranging from $1,500 for 5th to $6,000 for 1st and $2,000 a piece for the Humanitarian Award and the Sportsmanship Award. The race starts at Knik Lake. There will be an awards banquet on Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Willow Community Center. Admission is free. *note: the starting locations is “weather permitting” and could be moved to Willow Lake if needed. For more information, visit www.iditarod.com