5 THINGS TO DO IN MAT-SU: Feb. 9, 2018

1) Les Miserables - School Edition

“It is the future that they bring when tomorrow comes!” — Excerpt from the epilogue song

PALMER — This Saturday will be the final showing for Les Misérables - School Edition at the Glenn Massay Theater. Directed by AJ Seims, about 45 young adults (ages 18 and under) make up the cast for this rendition of the classic musical surrounding the French Revolution. Students from Colony, Palmer, Wasilla, and Reddington high schools fill the cast, along with some graduates and younger children. This play will feature a live orchestra that will take the audience on a dramatic journey for redemption and hope through the bloody streets of France. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.glennmassaytheater.com. For additional information, call 907-746-9300.

2) 100 Mile Ice Race and SXS Race #2

PALMER — This Sunday, AMMC Racing is hosting the 100 Mile Ice Race and SXS Race #2 on Wasilla Lake, starting at Everett’s / Mat-Su Resort. Snowmachine and side by side racers will glide across the ice, competing for the championship title and payout. Check in for the first race will be at 9 a.m. Racers must be AMMC members, register as one or get a day pass prior to the race. AMMC memberships cost $50 individuals and $100 families. Day passes cost $25. Those who register after Feb. 9 will have to pay an additional $50 fee. For full event schedule, registration, rules, and additional information, visit www. ammc.raceday.pro/sign_in

3) Winter Trails Day ~ Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

“Let’s get out and enjoy all that winter has to offer here in the Valley. Whether you bring your snowmachine, skis or fat bike there is something for everyone.”

WILLOW- This Saturday, the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation invites the community to join them for Winter Trails Day, starting at 10 a.m at the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. They will be at the winter trailhead with a warm fire going and plenty of information on the local trail system. Snowmachiners, cross country skiers, fat-tire bikers, winter hikers, and all other winter bound trekkers are sure to enjoy this event. There will even be a series of demonstrations for visitors who want to try out a fat-tire bike or pair of skis, courtesy of Backcountry Bike and Ski in Palmer. Backcountry staff will be onsite to help people learn how to get started. Visitors are encouraged to bring their bikes or skiis to the event, getting a chance to see the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation’s recent improvements to the Parkway Ski Loop Trail and learn about “Phase II,” which aims to improve the Rhein Lake Loop Trail. Attendees can also get a “sneak peak” at the new Rhein Lake Public Use Cabin, which will open up to the community very soon.

The event goes until 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Mat Su Trails and Parks Foundation at 907-746-8757 or info@matsutrails.org.

4) Annual Horse Symposium

“This is a great opportunity for the horse community to come together during the cold winter months.”

PALMER- It’s time again for the annual Matsu/Copper River 4-H Horse Council Horse Symposium, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Real Life Church. This event will feature a series of educational presentations, vendor booths, food, and a silent auction. According to the event description, this event will have “something for every horse enthusiast.” The Real Life Church is located at 10697 East Palmer-Wasilla Highway. Those interested in having a table at the event or learning more can call or text Angela Vassar at 907-947-6654 for more information. Table rental costs $10, which helps fund the MatSu/Copper River 4-H Horse Council. www.4hhorsecouncil.com.

5) Cabin Fever Reliever - Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center Annual Fundraiser

“Support your local Avalanche Forecasting team by coming to our Annual Fundraiser!”

PALMER- This Saturday, the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center (HPAC) will be hosting their annual Cabin Fever Reliever fundraising event at the Palmer Moose Lodge. The community is invited to socialize with fellow Hatcher Pass enthusiasts and meet HPAC founders and avalanche forecasters, Jed and Allie. Snowmachiners, snowshoers, skiers, snowboarders, winter hikers, and anyone else who uses Hatcher Pass as their playground will surely enjoy this event. HPAC provides weekly forecasts on avalanche conditions from November through April. The center runs off community donations and grants for basic operations. Tickets are $20 (cash only) only available at Active Soles and Back Country Bike and Ski in Palmer, the Hoarding Marmot in Anchorage and online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3234085. The Palmer Moose Lodge is located at 1100 S Cobb Street. For more information, call 907-255-2242.