PALMER BUZZ: June 28, 2017

Another huge summer week is upon us. We love the season and it seems like we jam-pack as much as possible into our summer months. This is the time when perennials are popping—take a drive around and admire the Icelandic Blue Poppies and lilacs, still in bloom. Everyone is rich in rhubarb—and giving it away—whether you want it or not.

Here is just a short list of fun things to do this week in Palmer:

Wednesday—Palmer Chamber of Commerce meets weekly at the Palmer Moose Lodge on Wednesdays at 11:45. It is a fun, quick meeting with a lot of nice people and a tasty lunch. Former Frontiersman sports writer Casey Ressler will entertain us while representing the Mat Su Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is going to deliver a great report along with his standard stand-up of delightful jokes and observations.

Thursday—The Last Revel is playing at Klondike Mike’s in downtown Palmer, and in the evening there is a great Mat-Su Miners game at the state fairgrounds. Thursday night is Military Appreciation night at the ballfield and the buzz is there will be free burgers and free admission. Bring your canned goods as a donation, please.

Friday—Stop by the downtown Friday Fling, held smack-dab in the middle of downtown. It is a summer market and the shops up and down also have special sales and events. It’s a good day to be in Palmer. And in the evening there is terrific music in the green, compliments of Palmer Ale House.

Saturday—Morning Yoga on the Butte is a sweet event not to miss. And In the afternoon, visit the UAF Experiment Farm’s Centennial Collaboration Celebration off the old Trunk Road. There will be free farm tours, craft making, poster making and yummy lilac starts! Then get your chores done and come back to the green for great music at the Palmer Ale House.

This Saturday night there’s another great band out at the Musk Ox Farm—Braided River. They are hot and tight and fun to dance to, especially with Musk Oxen jamming and hanging out beside you.

Sunday—Local musicians gather at Vagabond Blues in the afternoon to jam and play. The Palmer Library offers craft day— for adults — on alternating Sundays. Or drop by Animal Food Warehouse for Pampered Paws Family Fun Day. Face Painting, hot dogs and free nail trims for all the leashed furbabies from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday—Outdoor dance exploration with Dances With Musk Ox at 6:30 p.m. This unusual event happens naturally at the Musk Ox Farm. Also there is another Happy Run in downtown Palmer—meet at Active Soles. You don’t have to marathon it, you can just walk and enjoy if you like.

Tuesday—July 4th. Head over to Wasilla for a great parade and fireworks.

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.