Palmer ice art

On Sunday, on Palmer main street, was a colored ice party! It was just simple snow and ice fun, food coloring, and a really happy small event, created by Emily Daun with “That Thing Going On.” Emily is an authentic volunteer and organizer of community events and her optimistic attitude is gracious and generous.

Palmer Pie Day—Thursday is 3-14 also known as Pi Day. Special Palmer pies are available for $3.14 in the annual tradition of celebration. Pop by for a Palmer Pie on Thursday at NonEssentials, across from the Train Depot!

Light is Back—These are the pre-glory days! We feel like life is more livable when there is more light. The time change emphasizes the daylight extensions on either end of the day—but the early evening light is especially invigorating. Solar rays are far more appreciated after a long, dark and hard winter. Regardless of the amount of snow or wind or ice forthcoming, we know the light is back and along with it comes hope!

Birds are back—Birds and mammals alike are reacting to the light! It’s no accident that flocks of birds and people are congregating with high spirits. We know what is in store and Alaska Summer is closer and closer. Several thrushes or Alaska Robins have been spotted early this year already

Seeds are back—The grocery stores and hardware stores have racks and racks of flower and vegetable seeds in the forefront placement. There are huge displays of outside grills, patio furniture, table umbrellas, beach toys and towels, along with a plentiful selection of mud boots. It would be wise to pick up a pair of puddle jumpers now before they run out.

Light Snow—Don’t fret over the recent light snow falls. It will melt quickly and during the interim it will brighten up all the silt covered snow. New snow, this time of year, actually has energy which translates into a faster melt of old snow!

Arctic Winter Games are Here in the Land of Ice and Snow—In Downtown Palmer at the Train Depot is the Alaska Airlines Arctic Winter Games Headquarters. It is open everyday as a community social spot to talk about the sports and events. There is mingling, pin trading, an alumni gallery, photo-booth and lounge. There is ice cream and merchandise and a food truck. In Palmer, every day this week, there are dozens of competitions including volleyball, futsal, curling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, slalom, snowshoeing, badminton, high kick, cultural performances, concert, and fashion show. And there are hundreds of events all over the valley including figure skating! And this weekend is the official carnival at the Alaska State Fairgrounds. “Both Friday and Saturday will be food trucks, carnival rides, sports demonstrations, caribou petting zoo, and best of all an Indigenous/Northern Makers’ Market on Friday and Saturday, featuring the very best of AK’s crafters, artists and makers. This event is free and open to the public, and will close with community fireworks on Thursday and Friday evening!”

March Crazy Time—We all know about cabin fever and spring fever. This is the time it happens, generally in March and April. Mundane and seemingly insignificant items can suddenly loom larger this time of year. Harmless conversations escalate as well; conspiracy theories abound! Every year in March, something crazy happens and it is believed that cabin fever or spring fever has something to do with it. It is probably just a part of the waiting game for true warm weather after being cooped up for six months of real winter. So be careful with your worries and try to flow through the month without engaging in the toxic flurry of drama. April and May will be the real authentic launch of spring.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She 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