5 things to do in the Mat-Su: Weekend of Sept. 29

International Fly Fishing Film Festival set Friday

PALMER — Friday at 7:30 p.m., the Glenn Massay Theater will screen the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, a variety of films showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly-fishing. There will be nine different films shot in eight different countries. The films presented will not be a simple how-to video. Varying in lengths and styles, they are professionally filmed to entertain fly-fishers and fellow fishing enthusiasts alike.

The company is based in British Columbia, Canada. The film festival is screened throughout the year across the world. After each screening, the audience votes for their favorite film. At the end of the year, the votes are tallied up to award the winner for Best in Show, gaining the filmmaker exclusive bragging rights.

According to the Mat-Su Valley division event coordinator, Ben Rowell, this is the third time the Massay Theater has screened the festival films. He said that any angler would enjoy these films. He also said that they would be giving away free fly rods donated by Mossy’s Flyshop in Anchorage.

According to the festival’s website, “International Fly Fishing Film Festival consists of short and feature length films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing. The films at this popular event are capturing the attention of anglers around the world. IF4™ contains exclusive content and is a must see experience!”

Tickets are $18at the door. For more information and trailers, visit: www.flyfilmfest.com

Far North Trick Riders set fundraising ‘playday’

BUTTE — Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Far North Trick Riders Club is performing equestrian trick riding for their fundraising event, Playday at the SaddleUp Arena Equestrian Park off Snowbear Lane in Butte. The adult and youth trick riders will perform some uncommon tricks, like two riders doing gymnastics on one moving horse. They will also perform barrel races, flag races, speed barrels, key holes, and other equestrian feats. There will be food and drinks available. There will also be a silent auction. All funds raised will support the programs, helping to cover expenses such as costumes, fuel, camps and professional training.

According to the event page, “Please bring everyone you can. A good cause for a great group of kids!”

For more information, look up Far North Trick Riders on Facebook.

Tropical Sunset Paint Night hurricane relief fundraiser

WASILLA — this Sunday at 3 p.m., local artist, Sara Squartsoff–McKinley will lead a painting class called Tropical Sunset Paint Night, where students will take step-by-step instructions to paint a tropical sunset, complete with bright colors and a palm tree. The class will be at the Paintastic Painting Parties Studio, located at 1400 East Wasilla Shops Circle.

The class cost $40 and all supplies are included; the fee also includes complimentary wine. All proceeds will be donated to the Hurricane Relief Fund with the Red Cross. “Bring a friend or two or three and let's paint!”

The Paintastic Painting Parties Studio hosts art parties at businesses and even makes house calls across the Valley.

For more information, call 907-521-4094.

‘Between Earth & Sky’ film screening

PALMER — Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the Glenn Massay Theater will host a screening of “Between Earth & Sky,” a documentary that explores climate change through works of Alaskan soil scientists and shows the impact it has on Alaska. The film has gained international attention and is screening across the world. Featured in the film are local scientists Lorene Lynn and Mark Clark. After the film, there will be a question and answer session with Lynn, Clark and executive producer Dr. David Weindorf.

According to the film’s website, “Alaska has been the source of myth and legend in the imagination of Americans for centuries, and what was once the last frontier of American expansion, has become the first frontier in climate change. Between Earth and Sky examines climate change through the lens of impacts to native Alaskans, receding glaciers, and arctic soil… Mixing interviews with some of the world’s leading scientists in climate change and arctic soils, with the day to day struggle of native Alaskans living on the front lines of global warming, Between Earth and Sky shows the calamity of climate change that has started in Alaska but will soon engulf the globe.”

Admission is free and donations will be accepted.

For more information about the film, visit betweenearthandskymovie.com

Alaska Book Week begins Sunday

PALMER — Alaska Book week begins across the state Oct. 1 and ends Oct. 8. It’s an annual celebration of the Alaska literary community. Numerous readers and writers will gather to discuss the contributions and process of tales woven by local scribes. Fireside Books is among those celebrating this coming week, with two events.

The first event will see Eowyn Ivey and her mother, Julie Lemay, through the Fireside doors again, back to chat about the “writing life” on Sunday at 2 p.m. The former is a Pulitzer nominated author and the latter raised her, so it’s likely to be an informative session from reliable sources.

According to the Fireside Books’ website, “Kick off Alaska Book Week celebrations with a Mother-Daughter reading and discussion! Join Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child and To The Bright Edge Of The World and Julie Lemay, Author of The Echo Of Ice Letting Go. Reading their books is a real treat ­— but seeing them together is a unique experience.”

The second event is on Thursday at 4 p.m. Former Alaska State Writer Laureate Nancy Lord will be at the store for a free book-signing. It will also be a chance to learn about her new Cli-Fi (Climate Fiction) novel. A special Turkey Red dinner will follow later in the evening.

For more information, visit www.goodbooksbadcoffee.com