Palmer Alaska Buzz

Palmer—on the Eve of July—July in the Palmer area is just jam-packed.There is absolutely no reason to EVER be bored in July. There are carnivals, shows, celebrations, festivals and fairs—all month long. The following list is not comprehensive but it is pretty darn full: Garden and Art Fair, Wine Walk, Sip in the Garden, Brewery Events, Dog and Horse & Pony Show, Fiber Festival, Farm and barn tours, Musk Ox Farm, Reindeer Barn, Mat Su Miner Ballgames, Flower and Garden Tours, Summer Concerts, Palmer Pride Picnic, Reunions, and Park events. Typically July is the time for the Cardboard City, Animal Shelter Garage Sale, Recycling Garage Sale, Seasonal agricultural Seminars and the Matanuska Farm Weekly Tours. There are various fun events including Goat Yoga, Yoga on the Butte, Yoga in the Park, Bike Rides and of course the Monday Fun Runs. The road across Hatcher Pass is open already!

It Felt Like the Alaska State Fair.— Last weekend the Scottish Highlands Fair took over the state fairgrounds in Palmer. From a distance it looked very similar to our state fair. There were sweet white market tents, food vendors, lots of people, similar smells, lots of families with sleepy children, roving teenagers, same functional restrooms, and long lines for certain vendors.

But interwoven in all this sameness, was a strong Highlands theme. It was delightfully different. This Scottish Highlands concept was visible everywhere. Kilts and colors, muscles and girth, regalia and swords, wonderful garments and hand-sown shoes, armor and hair braids, plaids and patterns of a different geography. There were many fields of many outstanding athletes, all carrying or throwing something really heavy. Like bales of hay. River boulders. Telephone Poles. During and after these feats of strength, there was sweat and grunts and applause. There was frisky dancing and musicians along with a guillotine and a wooden stocks. There was tea and shortbread, bagpipes and tall tales. There was tug-o’war and jousting. And then there were the delicate harps playing heavy metal music in the sweetest tones imaginable. It was a weekend of culture, fun and wonderment.

Pondering—Because there were joyous events outside—all over the valley—this past weekend, it became clear that most of us are celebrating our freedom to safely congregate. It isn’t just the Friday Fling or the Highland Games or the Racetrack Carnival or Stan’s Car Show. It is the ability of each of us to gather, look around, talk with one another and enjoy each other’s camaraderie. Seeing people smile, without masks, is healing. (There is no shame if one needs a mask, however.) And I am not the only one that feels great relief and gratitude for a return to a healthy and outgoing life. Last year was difficult. For some it was fatal. Many friends and families suffered hardships—through losses of a loved ones, health issues, financial setbacks and psychological hurts. But it seems, with care, we are through the toughest part. I suspect everyone is far more careful and aware now—about their individual hygiene. I know many people are keeping their masks ready for flu season, illnesses or tight crowds. It is a good thing that we collectively have learned some important things during last years’ sacrifice. Because we don’t want it to happen again. So if you feel comfortable, go ahead and flash that beautiful smile!

Stay Safe Palmer and enjoy that fresh fish and fresh vegetables!

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