Colony Days equals “Small Town Perfected”

Rose Tree of China is The Star—All of our blooming vegetation is kinda late this year so the star of the week is the pink, explosive Rose Tree of China. You will see this vibrant shrub popping pink—everywhere in Palmer and it is especially welcome this year. Typically the lilacs are out by now but we’re running slow. The Rose Tree of China has millions of tiny pink flowers on it and blossoms are short lived. Bees love this plant so be careful around it.

Colony Days Equals “Small Town Perfected”—There simply is no better small town celebration than Palmer’s June Colony Days. It has all the necessary ingredients for community love. Parade; firetrucks; horses; balloons; quirky booths and vendors; historical exhibits; games; flowers; foods; beer events; music; markets; restaurant and brewery specials; carnivals; dancing; runs and walks; hikes and bikes; picnics; tours; wine tasting; rides; old cars; corn hole tourney; costumes; flags; barbecues; tractor pull; kites; sidewalk chalk pictures; bed-races; gorgeous dogs; funny hats; flying eggs; and reindeer. This is an annual festival which pushes NO politics and pushes No agenda except joy and appreciation for our place where we all live. All groups and people are welcome. What a relief it is to have a joyful Palmer time without divisive political rhetoric!

Palmer Rhubarb Revival—This is a delicious contest involving our friend the Rhubarb. You can enter jam or jelly or baked goods, or something else. Entries must be dropped off by 1:30 pm and the judging is at 2:30 pm on Sunday at the Palmer Train Depot.

More Colony Days Info—Here is an event you do not want to miss: Tent City Market is over at The Colony House at 516 Elmwood on both Saturday and Sunday. The Colony House, across from the Borough Building and Colony Inn, is run by the Palmer Historical Society and it is fascinating with its’ local authenticity and Colony information. The Tent City Market is a sale of interesting things including an assortment of Colony windows, antique sewing machine, vintage wood doors, household, crafts, vintage fishing, maps, and an old wood wagon. There will be kitchen ware, oddities, books, collectables, magazines and memorabilia along with a huge collection of treasures. Plus this year the great great grandchildren of Colonists will have a lemonade stand.

Another Important Palmer Place—Another place to visit is the Palmer Museum and Visitor Center. It is the log house in the middle of town, surrounded by tulips, statuary, flags and a beautiful garden. It is your stop for all things history, art and culture in beautiful downtown Palmer! The staff is committed to telling Palmer’s story through historic art, local exhibits, and immersive tours. They also have rental bikes!

Friday Night Community Dance & Fundraiser to kick-off Colony Days— The Palmer Community Foundation is sponsoring a“Swing into Summer” event on Friday, June 9th, 7:00-10:00pm at the Palmer Train Depot. This is a new free family event with the talented country band Feral Katz. Set Free Alaska will be providing drinks. Midnight Sun 4-H Club will have sweet treats and Job Corp will have savories to enjoy. There will also be a Silent Auction with terrific items all donated by local Palmer businesses. The silent auction will be live from 7:00-8:30. Closing at 8:30pm. Have some fun and donate some jingle to this charitable organization—who believes in Palmer.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of 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. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222