It’s a sacred and melancholy time of year in September in the Palmer area. We begin the process of saying goodbye to Summer. We begin the preparations for Winter. It’s sad and beautiful. We harvest all the remaining vegetables and seeds. We preserve memories for the dark times. This is a yearly ritual. There is still joy in the sun’s warmth.
Palmer’s Cloud Theater—This year, more than most, we’ve been given front row seasonal seats to the ever-changing Cloud Theater. It is everywhere you look. Vast varieties of layered clouds have appeared, accumulated, dissipated and disappeared with prompt rapidity. Sometimes we take our interesting medley of clouds for granted. But this year we couldn’t help but pay attention. It is our immense view-scapes and expansive vistas that allow us this special time to observe and appreciate the wonders of the atmosphere.
Goodbye to Giant Clamshell Smile Pumpkin—And goodbye to all the wonderful Alaska State Fair excitement, achievements, shows, shopping, food offerings and amusements. There were records set this year. Some of us were unable to enjoy the Fair at full tilt this year. It was unbearable. Our fair is the pinnacle of the summer which many of us look forward to year-round. There were so many baby goats, great acts, napping pigs, music shows and fun foods. The fair brings a whole kick to the community of Palmer. For instance, grocery shopping is far more interesting when the fair is in town because of all the crazy getups people are wearing. Traffic and alternative routes are a new travel adventure. Curious vehicles swing through town, showing their Fair cred. The downtown shopping is a bit slower and the pause is noticeable. Life picks up a normal pace after the Fair, but memories of fun remain.
Three Thousand Entertainers Came to Town—Last year the Alaska State Fair brought 3100 entertainers to the fairgrounds, for our pure Palmer pleasure. This talent involved stars and superstars known locally, regionally and internationally. Last year over 33,000 concert-goers attended the State Fair concert series. This most recent Fair was a bit wet, but there was tons of enjoyment.
Your Stuff Was Recycled at the Fair—Nearly 29 TONS of recyclable material was collected at last year’s fair. This means 29 TONS of stuff DID NOT GO INTO OUR LANDFILL. I don’t think anything can be more clear…Recycle YOUR stuff both during Fair-time and beyond.
Thanks for the Wonders—The exhibits at the Alaska State Fair is a favorite. It was self-paced and peaceful and inspirational. Last year there were approximately 6500 different entries. This includes 1800 flower entries, over 1000 crops entries and 600 arts and crafts entries. Here’s hoping you saw the wonders!
Enjoy Palmer’s New Striping—There’s been lots of new striping on the roads this summer. There’s new asphalt and some fine looking construction. There’s some new art and new seating areas. The Tennis Court is looking great along with the ball fields. Right now, before winter starts dumping snow, is the time to appreciate all these improvements.
This Week In Palmer—A Ladies Beginner Fly Fishing Class is at the Palmer Alehouse on Wednesday and Thursday. This weekend is The Vintage Fair at Mountain Field Farm at the intersection of Scott Road and the Glenn Highway. This weekend is one of the last markets at Moonstone Farm, over by the hospital. This weekend is one of the last weekends at the Flower Stands in Palmer. There’s local football games at all the school fields. Mat Su Master Gardeners meet at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center on Monday. There’s live music at the Alehouse and Klondike Mikes. It’s a good week to celebrate.
Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulseof Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Email bhunt@mtaonline.net or text at 907.315.3222
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