5 things to do in the Mat-Su: Weekend of Nov. 10

Wasilla High School drama group performs ‘Oklahoma!’

WASILLA — This Friday and Saturday are the last chances to see Wasilla High School drama students perform the highly acclaimed, Oklahoma! About 30 students including crew and orchestra are involved with the play, with 7 lead roles. They adopted their best southern accents and have made a passionate effort to capture the same charm that has entertained audiences for several generations. They even had extra practices and they “haven’t complained at all.” The western, comedic/romantic musical was a smash hit when it blew through Broadway in the 1940’s and even propelled an academy award winning film adaptation in 1955.

“This is an excellent production directed by longtime Valley expert Grant Olson,” said Sara Guhl, Wasilla High School choir teacher.

She said the kids have worked really hard and the past week of performances has shown a big payoff. Here is a snapshot of the leading actors: Aspen Bakner as Aunt Eller, “the glue that hold everything together in an aunty kind of way;” Bronsen Stewart (visiting actor from Colony High School) as Curly; April Foster as Laurey, the leading lady and love interest for Curly, Evan Hample as Judge Fry (Hample broke his ankle during a rehearsal and now utilizes an antique wheelchair from Valley Peforming Arts); Pierce Wright as Will Parker, the comic relief; Christina Leach as Ado Annie, Parker’s girlfriend and further comic relief; and Hunter Nails as Ali Hakim, a peddler from Persia.

“I am so pleased with it — it’s going so well. The kids are doing very well with it. I think they’re doing an excellent job. I’m very proud of them,” Guhl said.

The play begins at 7 p.m both Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students, seniors, and military. There is a family special for $25, no matter the size of the family. Call 907-250-5995 for more information.

Tom Paxton and the Don Juans at Vagabond Blues

PALMER — Three Grammy winners are playing at one concert this Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vagabond Blues. The widely recognized, Tom Paxton will be accompanied two other notable artists, Jon Vezner and Don Henry (known collectively as the Don Juans). Paxton has influenced countless singers with his live performances, wit, singing, and songs, most notably “The Last Thing on My Mind.”

The combined sounds of the three musicians are sure to bring a folky, country sound to the cozy café in Palmer, serenading the audience. This is a chance for older fans to stroll down memory lane and newer music lovers to discover classic singer songwriters who all contributed much to the industry. This is a rare opportunity. Tickets cost $40.50 and can be purchased at the door or online at https://tickets.centertix.com/orderticketsarea.asp?p=9450&a=2299

According to the event page, “In the nearly 25 years since collaborating to write the gorgeous “Where’ve You Been,” Don and Jon have performed in venues from the Bottom Line in New York City to the Bluebird Café in Nashville, sharing stages with artists as diverse as Joey Ramone, John Hartford, Michael Johnson, and David Crosby. Their songs have been recorded by a multitude of artists including Janis Ian, Ray Charles, John Mellencamp, and Miranda Lambert to name a few. Working as a duo, the Don Juans bring an impressive array of songs, experience, and gifted musicianship.”

Denali Harley-Davidson’s salute to service members

WASILLA — This Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m., Denali Harley-Davidson will be hosting their own Veterans Day Event to pay tribute to the armed forces. All three Southcentral Alaska Harley-Davidson Locations will be participating for the star spangled day of appreciation. There will be free cake, and gifts for military members both active and not. Military will also have the chance to upgrade their bike with parts and accessories up to $1,500 for free (if they purchased a Harley at the store). They will also be preparing care packages to send to active members that are deployed overseas. Attendees can show up and put a package together and Harley will cover the shipping. Also, military men and women will get 20% off all regularly priced Harley apparel during this event. There will be chili, coffee, hot chocolate served as well.

According to store manager Fred Becker, the public is invited to come sign a flag add to the care package for Curtis Douglas, a local soldier who is currently serving out of the country. Becker said that November is their Military Appreciation Month and they regularly provide respects and special offers during this time and throughout the year.

“I believe as an American made company, we wouldn’t be in business without the soldiers and protecting our freedom,” Becker said.

He said that at least 50 percent of customers are in military or attached to someone who is. A strong base of Denali Harley-Davidson’s ridership are military. He said that about 40 or 50 of 120 riders were military in this summer’s Riding Academy. At the shop, year round, there is free motorcycle storage for all deployed military and half off storage for all active duty service members. Becker said they recently began including first responders like ambulance and police to get half off bike storage. The first Saturday of each month, the shop celebrates the military by giving out cake or cupcakes, offering 10 to 20% discounts for items, free oil changes, and giveaways. It’s always something different.

“I have not set sales goal for the weekend. I want everyone to be in remembrance of what Veterans Day is and what it means to our country,” Becker said.

For more information, call: 907-373-3366.

Consign49 fall/holiday 2017 consignment event

PALMER — Consign49 will be at the Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all starting at 9 a.m. The event is catered for women and is a place to shop, consign and volunteer all in one place. The pop-up resale event will showcase thousands of items gathered from over 150 local residents and boutiques. According to the event page, this will be a chance to shop for brand new and gently used designer clothing, accessories, home decor, repurposed furnishings and so on- all at a “fraction of retail prices.”

According to their website, “after participating in a children’s consignment event in Battle Ground, Washington, with friends, and in another children’s event here in Palmer, it really struck us that the exact same concept would work for our own closets! Consign49 offers the ONLY way to clean out your closets, renew your look, earn extra cash, and participate in a fun and productive community event, all in one place! We look forward to meeting you at our next event! Our event is nothing without our consignors and volunteers, so we are here to help.”

There will be dressing rooms on site. All major credit cards will be accepted. Those still interested in becoming a consignor at the event, can send an email to info@consign49.com or check out their website at www.consign49.com.

Just Imagine Toys celebrates Neighborhood Toy Store Day

WASILLA – This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Just Imagine Toys will participate in their eighth annual tradition of celebrating with other toy stores across the country during Neighborhood Toy Store Day. The event is a way for local toy stores around the country to welcome in the holiday season with an assortment of activities inside their store. At Just Imagine Toys, families can participate in various games and activities like face painting, crafting, a spinning wheel with prizes, and live demonstrations for games. There will even be a drawing for people to vote on their favorite toys and possibly win that toy. There will be a number of tables for kids to sit at throughout the day. The tables will occupy them with toys, demonstrations with live instructors, and crafting activities like painting, ornament making and so on. The event is designed to promote shopping locally.

“It’s showing our appreciation for the community,” said Just Imagine Toys owner, Mary Scheie. “Local stores also make holiday toy shopping easier, by offering a personalized approach and customer service that contrasts with the experience of shopping large retailers.”

Scheie said that at here store, they have a culture of trying before buying. So the event is a good way to sample how toys and games work before making the decision to purchase them.

“We try to have as many demos as we can. People like to see things before they buy and I don’t blame them,” Scheie said.

Each participating store designates a group of toys and games as their store favorites. The favorites are divided by categories. About 12 favorites will be hanging on the wall for the attendees to vote on their favorites, thus entering into the drawing. Winners will receive their favorite toy. The voting will take place all day so winners will be notified either later that evening or the next day.

“Specialty toy store owners are the real experts when it comes to choosing toys for kids. These store owners spend time with kids day in and day out. They understand the value of play, and what types of toys will truly engage children,” said Kimberly Mosley, president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) in a press release.

ATRA is a nonprofit organization with the mission to promote local toy shopping and “creative, open-ended playtime” for children. They are the ones who created this celebration and keeps it going every year.

The face painting will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 357-1543. For more information about ASTRA, visit www.astratoy.org.