Iconic fireworks show spanning over decades keeps going in downtown Palmer

PALMER — A large and dedicated crowd braved below zero temperatures Saturday, Nov. 27 to watch one of the most cherished Palmer traditions, an annual fireworks show hosted by longtime Palmer resident and business owner, Stan Guthrie.

‘It starts all the holidays,” Guthrie said.

Guthrie hires Aurora Pyrotechnics owner, Jackie Whedbee to orchestrate the show each year. Whedbee has been involved with the event since the beginning and took over after Jerry Mignano of Jerry’s Fireworks died. He said her work speaks for itself and stands out as one of the best fireworks displays in the Valley.

“I was more than pleased with it,” Guthrie said. I think she goes above and beyond. I love it and I think the town loves it and the people love it.”

Whedbee said it takes a lot to put on shows of this scale, especially in the cold weather. They even had to manually trigger the fireworks this year since the computers were too cold.

“I have a feel for it. It’s like performance art,” Whedbee said.

Guthrie said that he started this annual tradition 22 years ago simply to give back to the community and spread the holiday spirit. He said it has no ties to Country Cutts or any kind of promotion and has everything to do with his connection to God.

“It’s got nothing to do with business. I’m doing my part,” Guthrie said. “I see the joy in kids and their families… And I just said we’re giving this to God and we’re gonna keep doing it.”

Cobb Street Market employee Alex Jasek said that she grew up in Palmer and the fireworks show has always been a part of her life, something she looks forward to every year like so many others across the community.

“It’s a good Palmer tradition,” Jasek said.

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