5 things to do in the Mat-Su: Weekend of Oct. 20

Alaska State Fair Holiday Bazaar

PALMER- Holiday shoppers rejoice — the Alaska State Fair is hosting its annual Holiday Bazaar at Raven Hall. This two-day event will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The bazaar features an array of local goods to help shoppers prepare for the holidays, be it crafts, clothes or anything in-between. There will fresh food available, raffles, and kid’s activities.

For more information about the event and an idea of what to expect to see there, look up Alaska State Fair Holiday Bazaar on Facebook. For any questions, call 745-4827.

Breastival 2017 – Hakuna Ma Tatas

PALMER- This Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the 2017 Breastival at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

This year’s title is Hakuna Ma Tatas. This is an annual breast cancer awareness event and celebration for survivors. There will be an assortment of games and activities as part of learning more about early treatment and detection. There will be educational presentations and even a Cancer Bites cooking demonstration cooking demonstration. Visitors will receive complimentary lunch and numerous chances to win prizes. There will also mammograms on-site. Women without insurance, or who are low on funds, can call 1-800-416-6266 to see of they qualify for a free mammogram (most do qualify).

Admission in free. For more information about the Breastival, contact Diana Arthur at Diana.Arthur@anchorageradiationtherapy.com.

‘Chickaloon Wild:’ Book signing by author Ingrid D. Shaginoff

WASILLA — Local author Ingrid D. Shaginoff is having a book-signing event for her new book, “Chickaloon Wild — End of an Athabascan Family’s Way of Life.”

Shaginoff will be at Wasilla Area Seniors from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

The book follows the story of an Native Alaska family’s world being turned upside-down after the Colonist farmers move to the Matanuska Valley.

“Imagine living deep in the Alaska Wilderness where survival depends on your ability to hunt, fish and gather…This is the ways of their Athabascan ancestors and the only way the Shaginoff family knew,” the book is described.

Shaginoff was raised in a subsistence culture and continues to hunt and gather to this day. She spent many years as a dietian and nutritionist, using conventional and alternative healing methods with her patients. She eventually went back to her passion for writing. She follwed the age-old advice, “write what you know.”

The subsistence themes and characters reflect her own experiences.

Wasilla Area Seniors is located at 1301 S Century Circle. Copies of Shaginoff’s book can be purchased at Fireside Book or at the event. For more information about Shaginoff, visit her website at www.ingriddshaginoff.com

Palmer Arts Council presents ‘Man of La Mancha’

PALMER — Presented by the Palmer Arts Council, the “Man of La Mancha” at the Glenn Massay Theater features local actors illuminating the stage with powerful emotion, potent humor and a stabbing sadness.

Betsy Scott, David Haynes, and Becca Mahar star in the play. Dean Phipps is the director.

In the “Man of La Mancha,” a misguided knight fights windmills in his search for "The Impossible Dream.” Against all odds, Don Quixote and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza embark on a quest for chivalry, searching for the goodness and light in a world riddled with darkness and despair. “Don Quixote,” based on Miguel Cervantes' 17th century epic, became a staple on Broadway, one of the most successful musicals in its history.

The play starts up on Friday at 8 p.m. and continues through the weekend, Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The play’s last run will be next weekend at the same times.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or at online at www.glennmassaytheater.com

Rollin’ 20s Dinner and Silent Auction for Denali Destroyer Dolls

WASILLA — This Saturday at 6 p.m. is the Rolling 20s Dinner and Silent Auction at Denali Harley Davidson. In a throwback to prohibition-style garb, visitors have the chance to bid on a variety of auction items while looking sharp. Big J’s BBQ will provide plenty of food for everyone. Alcohol will be served as well. Those attending should dress as if they are going back in time into the 1920s— zoot suits, fedoras, spats, slip dresses, garnet headbands and pearls. Decked out guys and gals can jump into the photo booth and capture their anachronisms to preserve the memories. Dress your best, because there will be a costume contest. There will also be a gun wall at the shop. All proceeds will benefit the Denali Destroyer Dolls (DDD), the Valley’s own roller derby team. Funds will support the team as they roll into their next season.

Tickets available at denalidestroyers.org and can also be purchased at the door.

$20 for singles and $35 for couples.

For more information, call: 373-3366.