Governor agrees to Valley picnic

July 22, 2005

DAWN DE BUSK\Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA - Gov. Frank Murkowski on Tuesday publicly agreed to hold a 2006 Governor's Picnic in the Mat-Su, where it's never before taken place.

His decision came about after John Klapperich, president of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, read an audience member's question to the governor during Murkowski's address and bill signing at the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn.

"We love the governor, we love picnics," Klapperich said, reading a question from a scrap of paper. "Why doesn't the governor host a picnic in Mat-Su?"

At first, Murkowski suggested alternatives for Valley residents who wanted to see him at the annual summer event, traditionally held in both Anchorage and Fairbanks.

"If you like to drive, go to Anchorage on Saturday, or north to Fairbanks on Sunday," Murkowski said.

As the luncheon was wrapping up, however, Cheryl Metiva, executive director of the Chamber, said, "While I have the microphone, I volunteer to help with the Mat-Su Valley picnic next year."

"We accept," Murkowski said.

This weekend, anyone who wants to munch on salmon burgers and chat with the governor and first lady Nancy Murkowski will have no other option than to hit the Glenn Highway and head into Anchorage on Saturday. Unless someone favors a nearly six-hour drive to Fairbanks.

Anchorage's annual family-oriented affair, which takes place at the Delaney Park Strip, kicks off at noon, and will end at 4 p.m. As part of the picnic, residents can tour helicopters or fire engines, get free face painting, or engage in planned activities. The Air Force Band of the Pacific will provide the first segment of music for the occasion.

The governor will feed hungry Alaskans with 3,000 salmon burgers supplied by Trident Seafoods, according to his spokeswoman, Becky Hultberg.

"The governor's been very active in promoting Alaska wild salmon," she said, explaining that Murkowski introduced salmon dishes at a Long Island, N.Y., restaurant, bringing Alaska seafood to East Coast consumers. "The governor's happy salmon is being served at the picnic."

Contact Dawn De Busk at 352-2252 or dawn.debusk@

frontiersman.com.