Alaska State Fair parade winners announced

Folks from across the Valley and around Alaska lined the sidewalks to watch the annual Alaska State Fair parade in Palmer Saturday morning.

“It was a great parade with a strong turnout of parade-watchers and some truly amazing entries,” said Sandra Peterson with the city of Palmer.

She said winners may pick up their prizes at Palmer City Hall. Here’s the list of top winners in each category:

Overall Parade Champions

Overall First Place Champion: Friends of the Sutton Library, for its imaginative reading program skyscraper float and dramatic enactments. The overall champion receives a check for $150 and a parade certificate. This year, the judges also awarded the group its “Theme” prize, a pair of ERA Alaska tickets to fly within the Era system in Alaska.

Overall Second Place Champion: Alaska State Fair float. The second place overall champion receives a parade certificate and check for $100. This amazing creation is on display at the Alaska State Fairgrounds for anyone who wants a closer look.

Overall Third Place Champion: B. Bella Hair Design, an exciting entry with children, lots of balloons, animals and music. The third place overall champion receives a parade certificate and check for $50

Category Winners:

Agriculture, 4-H and Live Animals: 1. Future Farmers of America.

Business: 1. Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, 2. Sportsman’s Warehouse, 3. Excel Gymnastics.

Community Service/Non-Profit: 1. CCS Early Learning, 2. Alaska Military Youth Academy, 3. 49^th State Street Rodders and Royalty.

Family & Children: 1. Mat-Su Steelers, 2. WYSA- Wasilla Youth Soccer Association, 3. Bricks for Kidz.

Fraternal/Royalty: 1. Palmer Senior Citizens Royalty, 2. Miss Alaska Scholarship, 3. (tie) United America Pageant and Alaska MAC Pageants.

Music and/or Dance: 1. Crow Creek Pipes & Drums. 2. Paws & Taws, 3. Colony JROTC and Color Guard.

Public Safety/Fire: 1. Palmer Fire Department, 2. MATSAR, 3. Butte Fire Department.

Vehicles: 1. Alaska Peony Distributors, 2. Antique Auto Mushers, 3. Antique Power Club.

Honorable Mention Entries: PAHA, Dr. Tyler Jorgenson, Mat-Su College, Palmer Lions, Boy Scouts of America, Palmer Elks.