Another great day on the hayflats

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge (APH) wishes to express its appreciation to all who came to Winter Family Fun Day Saturday, Jan. 19 and helped make our annual winter trails festival a resounding good time.

About 300 hardy outdoor enthusiasts from Anchorage to Talkeetna showed up for the party at Reflections Lake on refuge lands at the Knik River access.

Mothers with toddlers in jogging buggies, high school ski team members, senior citizens and out-of-state visitors enjoyed ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skijoring along the trails around the lake. Kids enjoyed sledding on the hills and building snow forts and snow caves. All enjoyed the warming fires, toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies and granola bars.

We could not have accomplished everything without support from the many partners who contributed to this endeavor. We owe our gratitude to Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Alaska Department of Transportation, Mat-Su Borough, Alaska Trails, Alcan Electric, REI, Brett Memorial and Palmer Ice arenas.

A large army of community volunteers from these groups once again joined APH members to make this annual event a memorable day for the public. We applaud them all.

Until next year, thank you!

Kris Abshire

Alaskans for

Palmer Hay Flats