Colony Days

This weekend is Colony Days in Palmer Alaska. It’s always the second weekend in June. Tradition dictates that its’ purpose is to celebrate the 1930’s Palmer arrival of hundreds of brave settlers from the midwest. It’s an interesting capsule of history and it is always fun to watch the annual celebration.

Parade—The parade is always a big deal in Palmer. There is the Pioneer King and Queen. Hundreds of tractors, some horses. Firetrucks. Usually there is a gymnastics group and baton twirlers. There is often a unit from Alaska Military academy or ROTC. If we are lucky, there is a band! Represented are predictably schools, churches, clubs, utilities, businesses, nonprofit groups, sports teams, old cars, dog groups, bike clubs, big trucks, fire-engines, and usually some political parties or political contenders.

Issues—This year things might be slightly different in the parade. And I say this because it seems quite possible after watching our community, our world and our country evolve and demonstrate over the last few years, that these are truly remarkable times. Even in our little Palmer community, we have many of the same feels as the nation does, on a miniature level. There are disagreements, discussions, protests, lectures, arguments, and conversations at the family dinner table, in the church basement, at the quilting weekend, at the senior center, in the bleachers at the game, at the auto parts store, and standing in line at an outdoor market. It is likely that some similar strong feelings may be shared in the parade. As a reflection of our world, sharing strong feelings can and should be done respectfully and without malice. Likewise, the audience will react respectfully or not.

Conflicts and parade etiquette—When a particular religious sect or cult promotes their summer Sunday school camp with a float in a parade, do we boo? No. We respectfully recognize that faith is personal and individual.

What about a Political candidate walks with their entourage, carrying large signs and flags, do we boo? No. But we may turn our back and recognize that politics come in different flavors.

What about when a “Group with a Message”, respectfully walks in the parade, with their signs of protest? Is this different because it is an Issue and a Cause….not a person? Examples are “Right to Life;” “No More Kings;” “Stop the Dam,” “Keep Denali” or “Catch More Salmon.” These issues are serious and symbolic and the parade entry is designed to convince others to join or stop the cause.

This is where patience, tolerance and diplomacy are important but take a back seat to honest, public, peaceful, expression of all our first amendment rights.

Purpose of Being in a Parade—It is to join the community celebration. But primary to being in a parade is showing off your group to the public. You may be running for office! You may be collecting signatures. You may be fostering good will! You may have a good cause! You want people to see you, see your commitment, and see your efforts. Join us……we’re good! If you are a child you will want to watch the horses, the dogs and collect as much candy as possible. As adult watchers, your job is to just dial up your tolerance meters and be prepared to see viewpoints with which you agree and disagree! You are modeling your reactive behavior to others.

Last weekend we had a lovely Friday Fling. It was followed by a beautiful evening of music. Saturday was a festival up the Glenn Highway. The impressive motorcycle squads joined up in Palmer and closed down the public street in the Bar block for several hours for what appeared to be an interesting motorcycle safety course and skills contest. Strangely a confederate flag was hanging visibly on the motorcycle tent on the street. Ironically, behind their tent was a beautiful miracle bubble maker—creating giant bubbles at the museum. The bubbles would glisten and float gently in the sky. And across the street was another night of music at Ale House. Then we had a fullish day of rain which allowed the purple trees to come alive!

This weekend Palmer will have some excellent music again Thursday through Sunday at various venues, in town, 4 Corners and Hatcher Pass. The parade and Colony Days will have a variety of events in addition to the parade. Expect to see lots of flags on Saturday, due to it being Flag Day, Colony Parade, a national presidential birthday party, No Kings day, Father’s day, and North American Pope Day.

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