November in Palmer

Wednesday Night—Palmer Historical Society is Wednesday night and this week is focused on the Matanuska Experiment Farm. History Night is a great Palmer event which happens at 7pm on the third Wednesday of the winter months at the Moose Lodge. It is free and open to the public. There is always an excellent program, refreshments and door prizes This week’s presentation is entitled, Matanuska Experiment Farm: History, Present Day, Research and Outlook. Jodie Anderson, is the UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension interim associate director and Forestry Experiment Station interim director. She has worked all over rural Alaska and has created connections with teachers, growers and communities. Her wealth of information is willingly shared with all. The Palmer Historical Society’s goal is to promote, preserve and protect.

Bazaar Time—From this weekend through the end of the year will be local bazaars every single weekend. They are everywhere and it is hard to make a comprehensive list. The market bazaars offer local items not normally sold in most stores. You have the opportunity to meet the makers and discuss their products. You have the chance to mingle with others in the community. There are usually many interesting items to investigate and well developed art and handicrafts to admire. This weekend is a themed Vintage Holiday Market over at Raven Hall. Plus Birchtree Charter School has a market at the school on Saturday. There are handmade crafts, student tables, and plenty of local vendors.

Dance it Out in Palmer—Teen Silent Disco is on Friday and Family Silent Disco is on Saturday at the Palmer Train Depot. This is a unique experience where all guests wear glowing headphones which feature several types of music. You merely get to dance to your choice of music and dance with others with their choice of music.

Light Time—lf you don’t have little lights up yet, get busy. It’s dark out and we need all the extra lights we can get right now. This really is your opportunity to get these lights going. It isn’t subzero and sometimes the wind isn’t blowing. We will all thank you for individual lighting contributions because it makes all our lives better in the dark season.

Omnivore Community Art Show—Palmer’s Alaska Omnivore is one of two fully gluten free restaurants in the state of Alaska. On top of the “good food” daily menu, Omnivore Alaska is pushing the envelope for a small and delicious eatery. They have luscious Thanksgiving “sides” and catering; Reading Day featuring Hot Chocolate; private party venue; family game nights; Black Friday breakfast; New Year’s Eve Prime Rib Dinner; Movie and Snack night; and starting next week will have a full, new Community art exhibit featuring strong colors and a holiday theme. Local food, local spirit, local art, and local activities. This is local at its’ best. Palmer is so fortunate to have this great small restaurant on Valley Way.

November Activities—This is the time to kick up your Aurora photography skills. You can get out your skis, your sleds, your tires, your snowshoes, your skates and your fat bikes. No longer do you have to worry about garden tasks or lawn upkeep. It’s time to sit back and enjoy those books, baking, quilting and painting.

Author Signing—Saturday from 3-5 is an author signing at Fireside Books in Palmer. Alaskan Author Care Tuk will be available to talk with fans and supporters and sign books including “Don’t Wimp Out.” Ms. Tuk has done extraordinary work in Alaska and many parts of the world in the areas of occupational therapy, disability outreach/ advocacy and battling cancer.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. Barbara shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222