Art auction to celebrate 80 years of Colony history

PALMER — The theme of the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce’s third-annual “Palmer on Parade” art auction is “Celebrating 80 Years of Colonists!”

The theme celebrates the 80-year anniversary of the May 10, 1935 arrival of the first of 203 families that moved from the Midwest to colonize the Matanuska-Susitna Valley via the Alaska Railroad. Palmer’s rich farming community continues to honor the original colonists, and the Chamber has chosen to help celebrate the community’s heritage and longstanding success.

Palmer Chamber President DanaLyn Dalrymple said “Palmer on Parade” is an annual fundraiser for the Chamber, as well as an excellent way for the Valley’s local artists to showcase their talents.

“This event is a lot of fun and we look forward to seeing this year’s artistic creations,” she said. “Any local artist who is interested in participating should contact the Chamber office.”

A limited number of artist stipends are available and early registration is encouraged, Dalrymple said.

Artwork will be displayed at various local businesses from Sept. 9 to Oct. 9, and will be included in the Palmer Visitor and Information Center Second Saturday Art Walk Sept. 12.

This year’s dinner and auction is at 7 p.m., Oct. 10 at Mat-Su Senior Services in Palmer. Doors and the silent auction tables open at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact 745-2880.