Hunter Creek festival ready to rock the fairgrounds

One of the largest music festivals in the state kicks off this weekend in Palmer, as the Hunter Creek Music Festival makes it big move to the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

The event has gotten bigger and bigger in recent years, making it one of the largest music events of the year in Alaska. Because of that, the move had to be made to the Alaska State Fairgrounds, and that means plenty of music for festivalgoers.

"We got too big. People have been coming out for so long that word of mouth prompted us to realize that we needed a new home," said volunteer coordinator Talyne Corlyn. "We'll miss the beautiful Knik River Valley where it used to be held, but the music is the same."

This year, the event is being expanded.

"We're doing three stages this year," said organizer Ken Terry. "And there are big, inside bathrooms. Camping will be on grass instead of gravel."

Among this year's lineup of acts are Bernard Glansbeek Quartet, Suzy Crosby, No Time Flat, Lifetime of Country, Fats Tuna Melt and the Kantishna Hillbillies, who will all be taking the Borealis Theater stage.

Joining the Alaska lineup is this year's Hunter Creek headliners, the Amazing Rhythm Aces.

The festival has been known for being family-friendly, and this year the move to the fairgrounds helps continue that tradition, organizers said.

There is a special lineup of music for kids on the Bluebonnet Stage, under the direction of Robin Hopper. On Sunday, the Bluebonnet Stage will have a songwriting workshop with Hopper and Mike Campbell, who has just released his fourth CD.

At the Sluicebox, there will be music by Terry, Billy Neumeister and plenty of others, as music will roar into the night, organizers said. The closing band on Friday and Saturday is Gangley Moose.

On Sunday, there will be a special tribute show honoring those in the military service. All active military and members of the VFW, AMVETS, American Legion and the Vets for Peace will be admitted free after 3 p.m.

Organizers said there will be several food vendors and camping available. Parking is being handled by Houston High School, Special Olympics, Mat-Su Rotaract and the Palmer Presbyterian Youth Group.

If you can't get to the festival, you can still hear the music. For the first time, the music will be broadcast over the Internet at www.americanbluegrass.com."

If you want to volunteer, you can receive passes to the festival.

For more information about volunteering at the festival, interested people can call 745-3339 or 775-3339.