Clean up this week

The Palmer street sweepers have been out in full force and now it is the time for Palmer humans to get on board. This is the time for picking up trash. It may not be your personal trash but it is our community. And the great winds in Palmer are nonselective. So regardless of “whose” trash it is, it is up to all of us to help collect it. The City of Palmer is encouraging everyone’s participation by offering a yard waste drop-off over at the MTA events center This will be this week and free for city residents. Dumpsters are available for yard waste or green waste only. The official clean up day is Saturday from 9-12. For every yellow bag you fill, you receive a raffle ticket and a possible prize. Plus there is a barbecue at the library parking lot. The big prize of course is a clean town and everybody wins.

Rain!!—Oh the green up will happen fast now. And the magical aroma of petrichor and organics will enrich our senses in the same way it enriches the soil. All the dust we have had this spring will calm down and begin its nutrient journey into the earth to nourish the green growth.

Beginning of the Memory Fade—As Alaska thaws its way into full blown spring and summer our memories of winter begin to fade. All those dark days of trepidation over wind and snow and ice begin to lessen in importance. We are in our escalating amnesia phase. With every bird that returns, with every pussy willow and aromatic cottonwood bud, with every longer and warmer sun ray, the winter fatigue melts as well. This happens every year. And in about a month, winter’s severe grip will be a tiny memory. We will celebrate summer for a good 100 days and it will be glorious. But even in this celebration, there will be that little reminder in the back of our minds…..winter is coming. This will translate into plans and schemes but it won’t take full throttle until perhaps August. There is a common phrase, often attributed to the wisdom of our Native, indigenous population, which says, “We are always getting ready for Winter.” It rings true but admittedly we try to disregard and ignore this important directive in these blissful early days of spring/summer.

Another Big Palmer Weekend—From now until October, Palmer weekends will be full of events, races, festivals, and live music. That is the joy of summer. Here is a select listing of some of the things to do this weekend. This is not a comprehensive listing but it will give you a hint!!! (If you know of other worthy events IN the Palmer area, please feel free to post them on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group page.) The Vintage Fair is this Weekend—Raven Hall will be the destination this weekend when the Vintage Fair pops up in Palmer. This is the 10th year for this fun market which includes recycled, vintage, up-cycled, designer, and trendy items. Plus there is an expected 30 food trucks. An annual large community yard sale goes on this weekend at the Academy Charter School….it’s huge!

Braided River Band is back this Weekend—This local wonderful band is playing at Hatcher Pass Lodge on Saturday from 4-7pm. Live Music is all over town includes the fun, outside music at Palmer Alehouse on both Friday and Saturday night. There is a big Performing Arts show on Saturday night celebrating favorites of Glenn Massay performances—of course at The Glenn Massay Theater at the College.

There are multiple Mother’s Day events including special brunches, rides, greenhouse classes and shopping opportunities. However, the very best traditional Mother’s day event in Palmer is the one up at The Musk Ox Farm. It has been celebrated for decades. Mother’s Day with Musk Oxen is is a low key and delightful opportunity to see and walk the farm, see the new muskie babies, learn about this wonderful animal and see some great fiber art demonstrations. It is on Sunday from 10-6.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group.. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222