Around the Valley

‘Yoga in the Park’ offered Tuesdays

Free yoga in the park classes are offered from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays at Newcomb Park on Wasilla Lake, featuring a KMBQ guest DJ. People should wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat.

‘Berry Delight’ class is Tuesday

A wild berry class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 11 at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, Room 208, Kerttula Hall. Learn how to find, identify, and use wild berries. Call 745-3360 to register or for more information.

‘Stuff the Bus’ event is Tuesday

Help United Way “Stuff the Bus” during its Mat-Su Day of Action on Aug. 11. Volunteers are needed at 2 p.m. to help stuff backpacks with school supplies at Newcomb Park in Wasilla. Mat Su Borough School District will distribute the backpacks to students in Kindergarten through 12th grades at the administration office in Palmer on Aug. 13. To volunteer, call 745-5821. For more information, contact admin@unitedwaymatsu.org, or 746-9239.

‘Swim and Trim’ semi-weekly at the Palmer Pool

Women’s “Swim and Trim” classes are held from 8 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Palmer Pool. For more information, call 746-2137.

Free cooking demonstrations Thursdays

Winona Benson with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Program is teaching a free cooking class called “Fresh From the Garden” at 1 p.m. on Aug. 13, and every Thursday until Oct. 15 in the “Five Loaves Two Fish” kitchen Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 E. Bogard Rd., Wasilla. Learn how to prepare fresh Alaskan produce. Learn recipes, nutrition facts, cooking times and more.

Big Lake yoga Thursdays

Yoga classes are held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center, instructed by Anita Hartman, RYT, PT. Suggested donation is $10 per class, bring your own mat. Call Anita 907-227-0640.

Register for fall classes at Dancers Workshop of Wasilla

Register for end-of-summer and fall classes at Dancer’s Workshop of Wasilla, which offers dance classes for all ages. Register online at bit.ly/1SR6LP9.

Youth shooting leagues forming now

Alaska Scholastic Clay Target Program-YESS is accepting registrations for summer youth in grades 4 through 12 for shotgun leagues and instruction. Beginners are welcome. For more information, call 373-0961 or email loktsafe@mtaonline.net.

Big Lake Saturday Market continues

Big Lake Saturday Market is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 29 at 14691 Big Lake Lodge Road. Caribbean Slim is performing from 1 to 3 p.m., on Aug. 15 at the market. Event includes food vendors, entertainment and Chainsaw Tom is giving demonstrations. For information, contact bigakesaturdaymarket@gmail.com or 907-350-9377.

Meadow Lakes Bloomers plant sale is Aug. 15

The Meadow Lakes Bloomers Garden Club’s annual perennial plant sale is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 15 at the Meadow Lakes City Center at the corner of Parks Highway and Pittman Road. An assortment of perennials, berry plants and trees will be available, as well as garden art and assorted gardening related items. A portion of the proceeds will benefit gardening activities at Meadow Lakes schools and the community.

Rummage sale to benefit MATI is Aug. 15-16

A rummage sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 15 and 16 to benefit the Museum of Alaska Transportation & Industry. Donations are needed, although organizers ask that no clothing be donated. Bring donations to the museum, or call for pickup. For more information, 376-1211 or email mati@mtaonline.net.

Sockeye fire fundraiser is Aug. 16

Palmer Elks will host a fundraiser to benefit Willow fire victims at 3 p.m., Aug. 16 at the Elks Lodge on Finger Lake. The event includes music, food, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.

Depot Farm Market is open Mondays

The Depot Farm Market is open from noon to 6 p.m., Mondays in the Palmer Depot. The market is open year-round and offers a drawing for a free gift basket each week. For more information, visit facebook.com/depotfarmmarket.

Pickles and sauerkraut class is Aug. 18

Learn to make quick pack pickles and sauerkraut in this hands-on class from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 18 at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, Room 208, Kerttula Hall. Cost is $20. Register online at uaf.edu/ces or call 745-3360 for more information. Participants must register by Aug. 14.

Veterans Recognition Day is Aug. 21 at WHS

Veterans Recognition will be held Aug. 21 at Wasilla High School during the Warriors’ varsity football game against East High. Junior varsity plays at 4 p.m. and the varsity game begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free for all veterans and they also will be recognized at halftime during the varsity game.

Edible mushrooms class offered Aug. 21-23

Mycologist Gary Laursen will teach a workshop on collecting, identifying and preparing wild edible mushroomsAug. 21-23 at the Matanuska Experimental Farm Kerttula Hall, 1509 S. Georgeson Road. There will be a lecture from 6 to 9 p.m., Aug. 21 and fieldwork is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 22 and 23. Cost is $100 for the three-day course, or $20 for the lecture only. Deadline for registration is Aug. 14. Register at http://bit.ly/ces-workshops, or call 745-3360. For more information, contact Julie Cascio at 745-3677, or jmcascio@alaska.edu.

‘Big M Memorial Benefit’ is Aug. 22

The sixth annual Big M Memorial Benefit is from noon to 10 p.m., Aug. 22 at the Mug-Shot Saloon, 251 W. Parks Hwy. in Wasilla. This year’s proceeds will benefit Seth Bellamy, a 4-year-old boy diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Sign up now to enter the state fair parade

Packets are available for the Alaska State Fair Parade Aug. 29 at Palmer City Hall, at the Alaska State Fair, at the Palmer Visitors Center and Museum, at the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce office, or online at cityofpalmer.org.

Pianist concert at St. Michael’s Aug. 25

A longtime Valley pianist plans a concert of original work on Aug. 25. Jeremiah Oliver, now of New York, will perform at 7 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 432 E. Fireweed Ave. in Palmer. Oliver plans an evening of original compositions and classical music under the title “Labyrinthine.” There is a suggested $10 donation.

Alaska State Fair is Aug. 27 to Sept. 7

The 2015 Alaska State Fair is Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. The theme for this year is “Dig In!” Fair hours are noon to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org.

‘Fair Day 5K Tater Trot’ is Aug. 28

The annual Tater Trot 5K begins at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 28. Entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for children 13 and under. Register by Aug. 13 to be guaranteed a Tater Trot T-shirt. Register online at vwrt.org by 9 p.m., Aug. 21, or register by mail by sending the completed registration form and a check to: Valley Women's Running Team; P.O. Box 1824, Palmer, AK 99645. Pick up bibs at the Alaska Club Palmer from 1 to 3 p.m., Aug. 23; from 4 to 6 p.m., Aug. 26; or from 3 to 5 p.m., Aug. 28. Overall winners and age group winners will be announced at Alaska Club Palmer at 7:15 p.m. following the race.

Rodeo at the fairgrounds

Rodeo Alaska has additional events scheduled in Palmer at the grandstand at the Alaska State Fairground in Aug. 29-30 and Sept. 5-6.

Sing along with Hobo Jim Aug. 30

Hobo Jim is performing at 2 p.m. on Aug. 30 at the Knik Museum, Mile 13, Knik-Goose Bay Road.

MATI closes Sept. 7

Closing day is Sept. 7 at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum Dr., Wasilla.

Pre Season Nordic ski training

The Mat Su Ski Club is sponsoring a training program for Nordic skiers who are looking to maintain their fitness and ski conditioning through a variety of ski specific dry-land exercises. These will include, but are not limited to: ski walking, bounding, spenst exercises, etc. The program will meet at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays from Sept. 9 to Oct. 28 at the Government Peak Recreation Area. The $100 fee includes Mat Su Ski Club membership. Registration will be at GPRA on Sept. 9. For more info email: farrens@mtaonline.net.

Sister City ‘Alaska Grown’ potluck is Sept. 10

Six middle school students and two adults from the City of Saroma, Japan will visit Palmer this September. Saroma has been Palmer’s Sister City in Japan for 35 years. The students will meet on their first day in Palmer with Mayor DeLena Johnson and tour the city before visiting other attractions with their Palmer host student counterparts. The community is invited to a Welcome Potluck with an “Alaska Grown” theme at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 10 at Palmer Junior Middle School. Everyone is invited to bring a dish and encouraged to wear their “Alaska Grown” shirts and hats.

Alaska VegFest is Sept. 12

Alaska Vegan Society will sponsor the second annual Alaska VegFest is Sept. 12 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, located at 825 S. Klevin Street in Anchorage. The event includes three nationally known speakers, a catered lunch, cooking demonstration, and door prizes. Cost is $40. For more information, contact 373-1526, or visit alaskaveg.org.

Talkeetna Brewfest is Sept. 19

Talkeetna Brewfest begins at 2 p.m. on Sept .19 at the Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar in Talkeetna. This fundraiser benefits the Northern Susitna Institute. Purchase tickets online at bit.ly/1IWhuRk.

Pioneers of Alaska Convention in Palmer Sept. 22-26

Pioneers of Alaska Men's Igloo No. 31 and Women's Igloo No. 11 are hosting the Pioneers of Alaska 99th Grand Igloo Convention at Raven Hall in Palmer from Sept. 22 to 26.

International Fly Fishing Film Festival is Sept. 24

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival Mat-Su Valley begins at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College in Palmer. Tickets are on sale at bit.ly/1IjCFAh.

Holiday Bazaar vendors wanted

Vendors are needed for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Holiday Bazaar on Oct. 10. Vendors with high-quality, unique items can reserve space by calling Pat Ott at 355-4104, or contacting mikenpatott@gmail.com.

See ‘Alaska Home Companion’ at the MATI Oct. 10

“Alaska Home Companion” is Oct. 10 at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum Dr., Wasilla.

Fall Bazaar is Oct. 10 at Career Tech

Mat-Su Career and Technical High School’s Business Professionals of America Chapter’s 3rd annual Fall Bazaar is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 10 at 2472 N. Seward Meridian. Vendor booth spaces are $50 before Sept. 14, and $60 after. For more information, or to apply for booth space, contact amy.riddle@matsuk12.us, or 352-0428.

Vendors sought for Legion craft fair

Susitna Valley American Legion Auxiliary Unit 35 seeks vendors for a craft fair Oct. 17-18. To book a space, call Connie at 376-7658, or 354-5945 and leave a message. Space is available first-come, first-served.

Coast Guard to offer fall boating safety classes

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Mat-Su Flotilla will offer a four-session fall boating safety and seamanship class at the MTA Building, 480 Commercial Dr., Palmer. Cost is $60 and is payable at the first class. Classes meet from 6 to 10 p.m., Oct. 23; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 24; 6 to 10 p.m., Oct. 30; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 31. Fee is discounted if students share a book. The class is free to auxiliary members in good standing. For more information, contact Terri Telkamp at telkamp@mtaonline.net; or Burton Johnson at Burkjak@gmail.com.

‘Night at the Museum’ is Oct. 31 at the MATI

“Night at the Museum” is from 4 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum Dr., Wasilla.

‘High Heels for High Hopes” in Nov. 12

Ptarmigan Pediatrics (with Shear Fire Design, Mat-Su Regional, Q99.7, and Signs and Lighting Repair) is sponsoring “High Heels for High Hopes: Viva Las Vegas” event to benefit the March of Dimes at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds at 7 p.m., Nov. 12. To model, volunteer, or sponsor, contact Ashleigh Green at 907-276-4111 or agreen@marchofdimes.org.

‘Christmas Bazaar’ is Dec. 19 and 20 at the MATI

“Christmas Bazaar” is Dec. 19 and 20 at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum Dr., Wasilla.