Colony Christmas lights up downtown Palmer

PALMER — The spirit of Christmas rode through Palmer on Saturday and brightened up the faces of hundreds of people who had gathered downtown to witness the Colony Christmas festivities organized by the Palmer Chamber that culminated with the Colony Christmas parade and fireworks extravaganza that was sponsored by BP.

Riding atop a Palmer Fire and Rescue ladder looking down on streets lined with parade-watchers was none other than Santa Claus himself, along with over 40 parade floats that dazzled the crowds along Alaska Street in Palmer on Saturday. Despite the arrival of COVID-19 vaccinations to Alaska this week, restrictions for social distancing changed the way the Chamber delivered Colony Christmas events this winter after canceling the summer parade this year.

“Having more outdoor activities worked really well, despite the bitter winds that persisted most of the day on Saturday. Santa absolutely loved being outside and the photos people were getting with him were very uniquely Palmer,” said Executive Director Ailis Vann.

Craft fairs, bazaars and vendors that would traditionally set up indoors around Palmer did not this year. The hundreds of residents of Palmer and elsewhere in Alaska that came to town for the Colony Christmas activities were not deterred, taking pictures with Santa Claus outside the Train Depot. Along with games, contests and caroling that took place outdoors, the lights around Palmer lit up as the sun went down on Saturday. Displays lining the train tracks in Palmer, the train depot, pavilion, and an even brighter lighting of the Water Tower were visible in Palmer. Bleeding Heart Brewery cut the ribbon on their new location in the Alaska Picker building and held their “Running of the beers: Dumpster Fire” mile run through Palmer prior to the parade. After runners had completed the course and Alaska Street was lined with spectators, the Water Tower was lit up to begin the parade.

“My favorite is definitely the garden of light but the community Christmas tree is a close second. We are hoping to put more energy into lights next year too, because everyone can agree that more light in the dead of winter is magical,” said Vann.

Pivoting to more outdoor events, the Chamber sponsored an outdoor ice rink on the lawn at the Palmer Pioneer Home with help from Palmer Fire and Rescue last week. Palmer Chamber Special Events Committee member Amber Lindstrom coordinated the garden of light at the Palmer Museum and Fire Art Pyrotechnics provided expertise for the fireworks show finale. Even without packed rooms full of vendors, Vann said that many local businesses were positively impacted by the influx of shoppers for Colony Christmas. Food Trucks rallied and served their fare to hungry folks downtown and horse drawn carriage rides were offered for free. Even throughout the tumultuous 2020, local community members found peace in partaking in Christmas traditions in downtown Palmer. Vann said that despite the bustle of the weekend activities, she found herself making an effort to be present in the moment and take in her surroundings.

“Despite everything, I saw so many happy faces, people wishing each other season’s greetings. Hearing the cheering of the crowds for the parade and the gasps, oohs and has for the fireworks was just amazing. One of my favorite things to do during the fireworks show is look around at the people nearby and see the wonder and amazement on their faces. It’s just so human and wonderful, and for about 15 minutes, every other worry and care fades away and we are all enjoying the same thing at the same time,” said Vann. “Our town is so wonderful because of the love and support that all of us provide.”