Palmer Chamber gearing up for 2023 Colony Days festival

PALMER — The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce is all set to host the 2023 Colony Days community-wide celebration this weekend.

"Preparations are going well," Palmer Chamber Executive Director Ailis Vann said. "This week is all about logistics and ensuring we have everything we need from picnic tables down to toilet paper. A ton of work goes into this event and seeing it all come together is so much fun."

Colony Days is a three-day festival that offers a wide variety of community events and activities that are suitable for the whole family.

The Palmer Chamber and their community partners are hosting a multitude of events such as 5K runs, bed races, and a children's carnival.

The Colony Days Parade is the largest and most popular event each year. This year's parade is set for Saturday, June 10 at 11 a.m.

There will also be a farmer's market with many local vendors and food trucks to browse through this year.

Vann said the Egg Toss event is making a return after a one-year hiatus. She said they're also introducing new events such as a covered wagon ride offered by Alaska Horse Adventures.

Vann noted that the classic car and bike rally has moved from Friday night to Sunday afternoon to accommodate a longer event duration. She said it's a great addition to the Sunday schedule.

"A longer car show means more folks can view the cars and more folks can participate," Vann said.

The Colony Days festival has become a cherished community tradition that people far and wide look forward to every summer. It draws in scores of visitors from across the Mat-Su Valley and beyond. Vann said the Chamber is honored to host this widely beloved event and looks forward to preserving it and growing it for years to come.

"We love Colony Days and seeing the community come out and enjoy the festivities is the cherry on top," Vann said.

For more information about the 2023 Colony Days festival and to view a full event schedule, visit palmerchamber.org/colonydays.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com