Five things to do in the Mat-Su

WASILLA — The Alaska State Fair may be over, but there’s plenty of things to do in the Mat-Su this weekend.

Here’s a rundown of our top five

Doggy Day

Regine Dog Training Facility

1400 Regine Ave., Wasilla

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Free

The Mat-Su Valley is crazy about its dogs, and perhaps the biggest dog showcase of the year goes off Saturday at 10 a.m. with the annual Doggy Day Responsible Dog Ownership Day out at the Regine Dog Training Facility just off Fairview Loop.

This free event features not only a ton of vendors, including the Arctic Bird Dog Association, the Non-Sporting Dog Club, Search and Rescue, Animal Control, Pampered Paws and Cool Cat Rescue offering nail-trimming and microchipping at reduced rates.

On top of that, the event allows dogs and their owners to show their chops as premiere citizens in the GCGA advanced CGC test, sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.

“It’s the good citizen test,” said Regine owner Claudia Sihler. “It proves a dog is good in public, well behaved, not too shy, well under control, can walk on a leash, can pass by other dogs and if the dog can sit or stay for a specific amount of time.”

Only dogs and owners that have completed the basic CGC test, which Sihler is offering on Sunday, can participate in the A-level test.

Snacks and beverages will be provided, there will be door prizes with goods donated by the vendors, and on the hour will be the “Meet the Breeds” event, which will showcase any numbers of breeds of dogs on hand.

“It’s called Responsible Dog Ownership Day, Celebrate Responsible Dogs, giving people a chance to think about training and educating themselves about communicating with their dogs properly,” Sihler said. “Basically it’s an open house with vendors and demonstrations, not only by us but Search and Rescue, and this year we have Animal Control… pet emergency preparedness.”

Sihler said the event has continued to grow since it began eight, or so, years ago.

“We had been increasing year to year and last year we were over 200, so I’m expecting this year being closer to 300,” Sihler said. “Quite a few people come and go and last year we had to have a person just for parking, so people would know where to park.”

2^nd Saturday Beer Meets Canvas

Arkose Brewery 650 E. Steel Loop, Palmer

Saturday: 2 p.m., $35

Tired of stone-cold sobriety getting in the way of your inner artist?

Second Saturday in Palmer may have just the cure with their Beer Meets Canvas event Saturday at 2 p.m. at 650 E. Steel Loop.

“No experience necessary and there is little instruction, so you are free to explore your own creativity,” the event says on its web site.

The cost to participate is $35, which includes a beer and all art supplies.

All participants must be 21 years or older. Call (907) 746-2337 for more information.

Midnight Sun Fun Run

Lake Lucille Park and Knik Goose Bay Road, Wasilla

Saturday: 2 p.m.

If you’re feeling a little athletic this weekend, why not try out the Midnight Sun Fun Run, starting at 2 p.m. at Lake Lucille Park at Knik Goose Bay Road.

Events include a 10k run, 5k run and a 100-yard balloon dash, which kicks off the events at 2:05 p.m., racing from one end of the soccer field to another.

Entry fees are $30 for the 10k, $20 for the 5k and $10 for the dash with a rate for a family of four at $40.

Sept. 11 guest speakers

Gathering Grounds Cafe, 300 N. Willow St., Wasilla

Today: 4 p.m., Free

This weekend, of course, marks a grim anniversary in our nation’s history. Sunday marks 15 years since the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington D.C., attacks which claimed the life of one Alaskan.

MY House's creative youth program, MY Voice, will host Bob and Shirley Hemenway as guest speakers at 4 p.m., today at Gathering Grounds Cafe, 300 N. Willow St., Wasilla.

The Hemenways are the parents of Wasilla High School graduate Ron Hemenway, who was killed at the Pentagon in the 9/11 attacks 15 years ago.

In partnership with the journalism class at Wasilla High, MY Voice also has organized a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11.

Everyone is welcome.

Harvey

Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Ave., Wasilla

Tonight through Oct. 2

The stage version of the film Jimmy Stewart made famous debuts tonight at Valley Performing Arts, as the VPA kicks off its 41^st season with “Harvey.”

T.J. Jones directs this season’s debut with Shane Conrad in the starring role of Elwood P. Dowd, whose imaginary friend is a 6-foot tall rabbit.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2.

Call (907) 373-0195 for ticket information.