Community members recognized during 2022 Palmer Pride Barbecue

PALMER — Each year, Palmer residents from across the community gather to eat hot dogs and recognize each other during the Palmer Pride Barbecue.

Dozens of people attended the 2022 Palmer Pride event at the Palmer Train Depot, loading up on free hot dogs, locally grown vegetables, chips, and lemonade before the award ceremony.

Whether it’s a beautification award or citizen of the year, there are numerous categories where locals can shine.

Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington presented each award to community members for their efforts making the city a better place.

Longtime Palmer resident Linda Combs won the Citizen of the Year Award for her countless contributions to the Palmer community for over thirty years.

“Wow, what a shock,” Combs said. “I am really humbled by it.”

Palmer City Manager John Moosey congratulated Combs and said that she is an important fixture of Palmer.

“When I think of Palmer, I think of you and your husband,” Moosey said.

Longtime Palmer resident and business owner Janet Kincaid established the Palmer Pride Picnic after the community competed in the All American City competition. She said that Palmer didn’t win, but the people rallied together quickly to highlight what makes their community a great place to live. She said the people of Palmer reflect that spirit through their daily actions, and this ceremony highlights that sense of pride for the community.

The City of Palmer, the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, local merchants, and members of the public all work together to keep this annual ceremony going.

“I believe there’s a lot of folks that believe in the traditions and support them,” Combs said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com