PALMER BUZZ: July 12, 2017

MAJOR ART AND GARDEN FAIRE

Okay, it rained really hard last weekend. But the flowers didn’t mind. And hundreds of visitors just put on their Extra-Tuffs and joined up at the festival around the Museum and on the Green, between the library and borough building.

There were so many cool things that the Facebook Palmer Buzz took a non-scientific survey and here are the results:

Seeing friends; Food Trucks; Four different Music Stages; Nurseries and Garden offerings; Layout and planned community; Palmer’s uncanny ability to attract a crowd despite the weather; Selfie area; Mushrooms; Palmer Museum; Antique Tractors; Classes on horticulture and art; Hardy Vendors; Organizers Selena, Richard & Brooke; Video Coverage from Joshua Fryfogle; Art Booths; Music; Aromatic peonies; Dogs in Rain-hats; Musicians; Fire Circus; Pho Truck; and great Technical Support and accommodations for performers.

POPULAR MUSEUM WINE WALK SOLD OUT

ONCE AGAIN AND RHUBARB RUMBLED

It was a perfect Friday night and the Palmer Wine-Walkers were all over town. Clinking occurred at a number of sites and good company was everywhere. Our Alaska Governor and his wife joined the festivities and once again proclaimed, “Palmer is the best.”

RHUBARB STRAWBERRY PIE GELATO WILL MAKE YOU WEEP

This is made at the Downtown Deli which is located in the Downtown Palmer Plaza. They have 14 flavors of gelato and sorbetto out at a time and they cycle through 38 delicious flavors. And this Friday, July 14, is NATIONAL GELATO DAY. There will be live Gelato inspired music at this public party. Celebrate with Triple Dark Chocolate with Brownie Bites or Raspberry Champagne Sorbetto. Gelato will be specially priced so you can share all the love you want.

GOLF TOURNEY FOR PALMER AND FOX WARNING

It starts with a shotgun at 2 p.m. on Friday. It’s the annual Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce golf tournament with a steak barbecue and swell prizes including a new car and Alaska Airlines tickets and some cash. Phone is 745-2880 for more info.

And don’t forget to be aware of the little red fox at the ninth hole. He is known to come out and steal your golf balls. He says they look like delicious eggs. :)

THE PALMER WEDDING OF HEARTS

There was a lovely wedding last weekend for Becky and Kelly Turney. It was beautiful as all weddings should be. But there was a little extra— which took it over the top. The story is too detailed for this column, but the story will be told. Read it and celebrate.

COW TIME IN DOWNTOWN PALMER

Have you seen the fabulous black and white Cow Couch in front of Country Cutts? It’s a holstein heifer and weighs in at about 1,000 pounds. This black and white bovine darling is loving it up on the corner of the main drag, S. Alaska St. and Cedar. Stan, popular hair salon proprietor and favorite Palmer fireworks guy, brought the cow up to reside in Palmer’s downtown green pasture and be a resting place for visitors and a selfie spot.

Well there is a NAME THE COW COUCH CONTEST. Entry cards are available at downstairs Coffee and Cream. No purchase is necessary but Coffee and Cream has some sweet drinks and nibbles. The contest closes on Aug. 8 and the winner will be announced on Labor Day.

COW NAMING TIP: Do not put your full name on your entry form. Revealing your full name will result in instant disqualification. Stan wants to make sure there is no collusion or name-dropping in this contest. This is not a popularity contest. Only put your cell number, cow name and date on your entries. This cow is very ethical and wants no impropriety in the critical naming process.

SALAD AND PEONY DAYS

This is the abundant time of year for salad greens, peonies and (very soon) salmon. it is good to share your bounty. Take some to work and share with your neighbors.

BASEBALL GAMES AND HIKING THE BUTTE

...are the recommended choices for this week. River walks are fun too and don’t forget to get your dip nets ready. If the Mat River continues to rise, your voluntary assistance with sandbags is always appreciated along the old Glenn Highway from mile 13 to mile 15.

CONTINUING BEAR WARNING

Recent bear activity at Government Peak Recreation Area makes it necessary to be “bear aware” with noise, and spray and no earplugs.

Barbara Hunt keeps the pulse on Palmer and shares highlights on the facebook Palmer Buzz group. She was a columnist for this paper for seven years, writing the popular Mat Su Mouth. Now she brings the buzz and other stories back to our great local newspaper for your enjoyment. If you have tips, please message her on Facebook.