Colony Days

June 10, 2007

By J.J. Harrier

Frontiersman

Who says Palmer can't throw a party?

Saturday's Colony Days parade and weekend celebration proved Palmer can get down.

With ugly weather predictions and scheduled high winds, nature gave spectators an unexpected break as hundreds gathered downtown to pick out their spots for the various festivities and street parade kick-off.

But first there was the unfinished business of the Colony Days Bed Race.

Competition finalists from Midas and the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce battled it out for the coveted first-place spot as KMBQ radio station owner John Klapperich egged the racers on.

&#8220You guys ready for a race?” he yelled to the cheering crowd.

Contestants from both teams bunny hopped, dressed up in nightgowns and bed caps, shoveled down cinnamon rolls and completed various other tasks, all while racing their decorated bed- on-wheels down South Alaska Street.

After an elimination round forced both teams to start over, Midas raced down the thoroughfare fastest and came out the victors. John Douglas presented Team Midas with a trophy and golf course prizes.

Downtown Palmer businesses soon crowded as adults scrambled to get refreshments and snacks together for the upcoming parade. Long lines of Vagabond Blues' devoted customer base streamed out the front door and into the street as staff scrambled to meet the growing demands of coffee lovers. Tensions were soon subdued with laughter and good times as many people reminded each other that this weekend was a time to celebrate, to have fun.

For the kids, it was all about the candy.

Alaska Job Corps supplied children with blue candy buckets as hungry, excited young faces anticipated the start of the onslaught of sweet treats.

But not everyone got candy in their buckets. North Star Animal Shelter distributed dog treats and Smokey the Bear along with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources issued plenty of bottled water. Coupons, tickets and flyers were also given to confused little ones hoping for sweets.

Leading the parade was Matanuska Telephone Association and the Pioneers of Alaska float, occupied by the royally attired King and Queen Regent, followed by the Paws and Taws square dance troop. Kool & The Gang's ‘Celebration' fittingly echoed into the fairgrounds.

&#8220I come here because I have for the past 23 years. It's tradition,” said Jennifer Finn, long time Palmer resident and parade spectator.

Finn said she comes to Colony Days now with her three-year-old son, Dillon, because it is a wonderful event for children, bringing the community together each year.

&#8220It's a good way to start the summer,” she said.

Other float and parade participants included: the Palmer Fire Departmentand and fire fighting volunteers, Palmer Museum of History and Art, The Trinity Lutheran Church singers, Mom's Club of Palmer, and the Antique Auto Mushers, who drove classic cars by eager auto lovers. Right behind came the motorbikes and classic Harley Davidson riders to add some more noise.

Although the parade's theme mainly focused on community and fun, a couple of floats carrying a deeper message turned heads and got many talking afterwards.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks' &#8220Alaska's Fallen Heroes” float depicted a soldier's grave decorated with an American flag, rifle and helmet, reminding the public of the tragedies of war.

Matanuska Electric Association Ratepayers Alliance marchers traded handing out hard-candy for flyers encouraging the community to ‘let there voice be heard' in MEA's proposal to build a coal-fired plant.

&#8220Not really a day for this kind of thing,” one spectator voiced.

Recent Palmer resident and first time parade spectator Stacey Allison said she came to Colony Day's festival with her two-year-old son Tyler not only catch a glimpse of the pomp and circumstance, but to spend real, quality time with her son. She came to make memories. Having been separated from her son for over a year, Allison said she wanted to enjoy the day as much as possible and cherish each moment together as a family.

&#8220This is such a kid friendly attraction. He's having a blast,” she said. &#8220It is good to see smiles on his face today. That's what it's all about for me.”

As the parade came to a close, spectators reconvened to the Golden Wheel Carnival and other Colony Days events held in downtown Palmer.

&#8220I want to go to the carnival before it gets nuts,” Allison laughed. &#8220I do feel like the kid sometimes.”

Colony Days festival of events continues throughout Palmer until Sunday afternoon.

Go to www.palmerchamber.org for a schedule of events.

Contact J.J. Harrier at

352-2270 or valleylife@

frontiersman.com