Colony Christmas 2004

As the Alaska Railroad pulled into downtown Palmer Saturday, Colony Christmas went from being a town favorite to a regional celebration.

The train brought with it hundreds of people from Anchorage, many of whom left with an enjoyable experience, they said.

"We came out for Colony Christmas a couple of years ago, and when I heard about the train, we decided to take it out here again," said Tina Granger of Anchorage. "It was a lot of fun, taking the train out here. It was a real festive atmosphere. Colony Christmas is a lot of fun, and being able to take the train for 10 bucks is a great idea."

Granger's friend, Bettina Cross, was waiting for a sleigh ride on Saturday afternoon, trying to battle the fierce winds with a cup of coffee from Vagabond Blues. She said it was her first time at Colony Christmas, but it won't be her last.

"I've always liked how Palmer has a small-town feeling. This is great -- the craft fairs, the sleigh rides, the parade. I miss that small-town feeling living in Anchorage," Cross said. "It seems like the whole town is out here on the streets enjoying being together. This is what Christmas is all about."

Cross and Granger spent their afternoon like many who rode the train did -- taking the shuttle buses to and from the craft fairs at the Palmer Senior Center, the middle school, the depot, Palmer Job Corps and the Mat-Su Borough building, using specially printed maps to get around.

"They've thought of everything," Cross said. "I hope they do it again next year. We'll definitely do it again."

Throughout Saturday, winds whipped through the downtown area, but it wasn't enough to deter the fun. After all, folks from Palmer are used to the wind.

While athletes froze during the triathlon, knitted scarves were gobbled up at the various craft fairs. At the same time those people were bundled up on a sleigh ride through town, other people were warm and toasty while visiting one of the many downtown shops. That's what Colony Christmas is all about, however -- togetherness.

"It's cool to see everyone here together. You don't see it all the time," said 15-year-old Rian Fletcher of Palmer.

The parade of lights was a rousing hit, despite a wind chill that dipped into single digits.

After the parade, many people ducked in for a hot cocoa or coffee, before a spectacular fireworks display lit up the Palmer sky for one final bang.