First Wasilla Winterfest aims to cure cabin fever

WASILLA — If the answer is blowin’ in the wind, the question is whether the first Wasilla Winterfest: Iditarod Days this weekend is a two-day event or ends at midnight tonight.

“If the wind is more than 15 knots, we’ll probably have to cancel Saturday’s festivities at Wasilla Lake,” said James Hastings, Wasilla’s cultural and recreational manager, at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center during a meeting of Winterfest organizers and sponsors. “We have a lot of fun stuff planned for Saturday, but if the wind’s anywhere near what it’s been over the last few days, we certainly don’t want to cause any injuries from being out there with the wind chill dipping below zero. There are too many people out there who forget to put socks on their kids. Seriously.”

But until they know for sure, there are five unique family activities planned between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the lake, including three-on-three pond hockey, horseshoes, horse hockey, “ice hole” golf and ice skating, topped off with a fireworks display.

“It’s going to be a great day for families if the weather cooperates,” Hastings said.

Even if none of the events happen, tonight’s free — and warm — events at the sports center are a sure-fire way to beat back cabin fever while also supporting local artists, beginning at 4 p.m.

Thanks to the efforts of the city of Wasilla, Spirit of Alaska Broadcasting, Promotions Marketing, Make-a-Scene magazine and the support of several local sponsors, Wasilla Winterfest: Iditarod Days kicks off with a variety of folk, rock, country and acoustic bands on two stages among art exhibits, children’s games, a bounce house, a beer garden and open ice skating.

To top if all off, the featured celebrity is Palmer’s own LuLu Small, who even after trying to recover from hip replacement surgery will take to the stage to treat audiences with fan favorites such as “Rockin’ the Last Frontier” from her “LuLu-Palooza” album.

Still facing another surgery on her other hip next month because of severe arthritis, the event will include a special benefit for Small to help defray her mounting medical costs and day-to-day expenses.

“I’m a mess,” Small said Wednesday while driving into the Valley from Anchorage. “Thirty-two years of rock and rollin’ in Alaska have taken their toll, but I’m determined to keep going. The most exciting thing has been being able to actually power walk with crutches around Walmart. For the first time in a year I didn’t have to be in a wheelchair or electric cart.”

Not only will there be a silent auction on her behalf, Small will be selling her own ulus, dubbed “LuLu’s Ulus,” to raise additional funds.

The brainchild of musician and writer Josh Fryfogle of Make-a-Scene, Small couldn’t be happier to finally have her own marketable, authentic Alaska product.

“It’s my turn, dammit,” Small said, referring to a friendly rivalry between her and another Alaska legend, Hobo Jim. “I can’t seem to get the notoriety or endorsements like Hobo Jim. I can’t get a sponsor to save my life.”

But it’s all good, the 57-year-old Knik River Valley resident said. She’s just happy to have the community support and love from Alaskans over the years, going back to the 1980s when she performed with Mr. Whitekeys, JoAnn and Monte, and Lindsey Raines.

“I’ll never leave Alaska because of the support network here,” she said, adding she’ll also have some of her own crafts for sale, including her “bag lady dolls,” and Easter baskets.

LuLu hits the main stage at about 8:05. Other artists on the main stage tonight include Hobo Jim at 6 p.m., Fryfogle at 7:05, a jam session with Dave Norman at 8:40, and Wild Cat Trio at 9:50.

The second stage will host mostly acoustic performers such as Grover Neely at 6 p.m., Amy Beth at 7 p.m., Hurricane Dave at 9 p.m. and Talkeetna’s Doug Geeting at 10, among others.

A free shuttle for Saturday’s activities at the lake will be provided by Valley Mover from the Wasilla Middle School parking lot near the Brett arena between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For more information on Winterfest, call Hastings at 354-1733 or listen to KMBQ 99.7 FM for weather updates Saturday morning.

Contact K.T. McKee at kate.mckee@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.