5 THINGS TO DO IN THE MAT-SU: March 2, 2018

1) Mat-Su Concert Band presents "Our Favorites"

“I love conducting this band. I love the people in it. We have some really fine musicians from the Valley and a few that come out from Anchorage that play with us. They’re just great people to work with.” – Conductor, Gleo Hyuck

PALMER — This Saturday, the Mat-Su Concert Band is coming back to the Glenn Massay Theater to perform their favorite songs. This concert features music that was hand-picked by its own members. This program features an eclectic blend that ranges from wind-band classics “Procession of the Nobles” to the stark beauty of “Finlandia” and familiar contemporary melodies of “Star Trek” and “Cinderella”. Tickets: adults $15, students $7, and children under 5 are free and can be purchased at the door or online at www.matsuconcertband.org

The Mat-Su Concert band is the largest and oldest musical organization in the Mat-Su Valley. With 70 band members and a professional, illustrious venue to play at in the Massay, Conductor, Gleo Huyck is elated to give the audience an enriching experience at the Glenn Massay Theater; a considerable upgrade from their previous years performing at Teeland Middle School’s cafeteria.

2) NSA Wrestling presents: ‘Undisputed’

“The kids are amazing at the shows. They love it. We are a family friendly event. We try to keep it PG. Obviously, we’ve got villains, and we’ve got good guys which is what everyone wants to see.” – NSA co-owner, Sean Coleman

PALMER — This Sunday, No Strings Attached (NSA) Wrestling is returning to the Palmer Train Depot at 4 p.m. 'Gentleman' Jack Windsor is taking on 'Wildcat' Ray Trivette for the NSA Championship belt. The NSA wrestlers use their showmanship to sway audiences in different directions with ongoing storylines. NSA co-owner, Sean Coleman said that kids love this family friendly event. There will be concessions available, as well as merchandise, including DVDs, T-shirts and stickers. It’s an all-ages show and children under 5 are admitted for free. Tickets cost $5.

3) Valley Performing Arts presents: ‘Our Town’

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

WASILLA — This is the last weekend to see the Valley Performing Arts (VPA) center’s rendition of ‘Our Town’, directed by Wendy Golter. A diverse troupe of actors banded together and adapted Thornton Wilder’s minimal, yet profound play, ‘Our Town.’ Wilder’s Pulitzer-winning play follows the lives of two families in a small town, in a story of love, marriage and death. The Gibbs and Webb families’ lives unfurl as the audience sees their children fall in love, get married only to have tragedy strike. Golter said the classic play still impacts modern theater goers to this day, peering into eternity. Showtimes: 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $19 for general admission and $17 for students/seniors. Tickets can be purchased at VPA or online at www.valleyperformingart.org.

4) 51st Annual Palmer Lion's Club Gun Show

“The Oldest continuous show in Alaska.” - Palmer Lion’s Club website

PALMER — This weekend, the Palmer Lions are at it again with their annual Gun Show at the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Come look, trade, swap, talk, and get catalogs. This longstanding Valley tradition will feature over 250 tables of rifles, pistols, knives, outdoor gear, displays, and more. There will even be a canine CPR class. There will also be plenty of items to win at this year’s raffle, with funds supporting non-profits like the Special Santa Program. The Gun Show will be in Raven Hall and the Craft Show will be in the Hoskins Building. This event will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for Adults or $10 for a 2 day pass. Children ages 12 and under are free as long as they have an adult with them. For information, call: 907-360-8428.

5) 2018 Mat-Su Prom-A-Palooza- clothing giveaway

“We have lots of lovely dresses all sizes! Young ladies needing dresses for special events come and pic a dress out! Young men we also have clothes for you!”

PALMER — This Saturday, teenagers from across the Valley can come to Palmer Junior Middle School to pick up formal attire for their next school dance at the 2018 Mat-Su Prom-A-Palooza clothing giveaway. All clothes- 8th grade promotion dresses, prom dresses, and men's formal wear will be given away completely for free. Sizes available from 8th grade to senior year. All students from any school are welcome. Volunteers are still needed for this event. Anyone interested in volunteering for sewing minor fixes or making donations call 907-841-8352 / 916-837-4203.