Local stylist gives back to community

PALMER -- Firework lovers in the know are sure the best fireworks in the Valley don't happen at the end of summer, at the Alaska State Fair. November's night sky provides a much better backdrop and -- let's face it -- there's nothing like enjoying fireworks muffled in mittens and coats with your hand wrapped around a mug of hot cocoa to warm your heart.

As has become tradition in Palmer, the night sky was ablaze Saturday night with fireworks, courtesy of Stan Guthrie, owner of Country Cutts, a styling salon located downtown.

"All the businesses and all the people give to us -- and we do this, and it gives to them," Guthrie said, "and it promotes us."

Holding the event, which coincides with an open house at the salon and a visit from Santa, also provides sort of a kickoff for the season, Guthrie said.

"This just goes along with the whole start of the holiday season and giving," Guthrie said. "I love the holidays -- and this just starts it all and keeps it going."

The tradition began as a birthday celebration for Guthrie four years ago, but the fireworks generated a big community response, and Guthrie changed the focus and began putting on the show for the community instead.

Guthrie and the staff of Country Cutts take pride in giving back to the community. In his 20 years in business in Palmer, Guthrie and his staff have been involved in numerous community events, including the Wigs for Kids program, through which they encourage people to donate their hair to be turned into wigs for children who have lost their hair due to a medical condition.

The community appears to enjoy the fireworks. There was hardly a parking space to be had in downtown Palmer Saturday evening, and people from Palmer, Wasilla, Sutton and other areas lined the streets in preparation well before the 7:18 p.m. start time for the show. When they began, traffic in the area came to a standstill, and when they finished, honking, clapping and cheers rang through the night.

Although Guthrie declined to divulge the cost of the firework show, he did fork over another part of the show that has been keeping people guessing -- the 7:18 p.m. start time. And for those who know Guthrie, the answer is of little surprise.

"It's not a normal time," Guthrie said. "It's a time that sticks -- it doesn't sound like anything else."

Guthrie, who sports a Mickey Mouse tattoo on the spot at the back of his head where hair refuses to grow, appears to like a little abnormality.

Some are making attending the fireworks their own tradition -- such as Ted and Cloudy Rockwell, who were viewing the show for the second year.

"We like fireworks -- and it's dark enough to see them," Ted Rockwell said. "I've known Stan since I moved here in 1981 -- he's been cutting my hair since then -- and I appreciate what he's doing for the community."

And that, Guthrie said, is what it's all about.

"It's a good show," Guthrie said. "I just strive for everybody to have fun -- that's what I can do."