Palmer in March

When it’s time to welcome March, there is nothing better than to honor Balto, symbol of the Iditarod in Palmer. Despite all of the world’s chaos, Palmer’s favorite dog statue stands strong and firm at the corner of South Valley Way and Elmwood Avenue in front of the Palmer Visitor’s Center and Museum. This dog is symbolic—at this time—because of his important and historic role in the influenza and Iditarod story.

Let’s give him some extra honor this week. Here’s a bit of history from Bridgette Preston, “Balto gained international notoriety for leading the last leg of the 1925 serum run from Nenana to Nome. Many years ago, Dwight Homestead‘s 2nd/3rd grade grade class at Butte Elementary School raised the money and campaigned for a Balto of their own, a life-size bronze one, sculpted by Frank White.”

Palmer’s beloved Balto statue owns the corner across from the Library, pavilion and museum. Oftentimes community members gift him with a seasonal hat or a wreath necklace. He is definitely loved. A few weeks ago there was a scare that Balto had been removed! Alarmed, I immediately went down to his corner location and assured myself that he was safe (and warm because he was adorned with a soft scarf.) The fear was put to rest. Don’t worry Balto—the Palmer Community is looking out for you. It should be noted that this popular location receives many, many visitors and pictures and use. Hopefully a new readable plaque will be prepared for Palmer’s favorite dog sculpture—commemorating Balto’s local history.

Palmer Library is Open—It feels good to go inside and pick out books from the stacks at our library. This precious personal process was not available for such a long time. But to walk into the Palmer Library and wander around was bliss. I was specifically looking for the Ukraine collection and Russia History section. I was disappointed and elated that most all of the books were already in public hands; which to me verifies that our community is curious and interested in what is happening with Russia and Ukraine. How fortunate we are to select real solid, history books which trump googling every time! Thank you Palmer Library!

Mat Su College—It is sure nice to see our college reopening to the public. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to be there or access these resources. Hopefully the library will reopen soon.

Anastasia—What a great dramatic Palmer production this was at the Glenn Massey Theater at the College! There are still two weekends of the show—Anastasia—and it is definitely worthy. The acting, direction, costumes and music are all well done, performed beautifully by the Colony High School. The cast is well-chosen. And the remarkable set is crazy good. It’s hard to imagine this is a high school production. There is something uncanny about this play being shown at this particular moment in time. The backstory involves Russian history. Hearing the guns shooting, the leader’s speeches, and the battle explosions wasn’t lost on the audience as we sat in our comfortable seats, realizing that these same sounds are reality in Ukraine, today. It’s a timely story about bravery, independence, dictatorship and love. Go see it. I believe tickets are still available.

This Week in Palmer—This weekend is the Rabbit Show at Palmer Family Church on both Friday and Saturday. Thursday is Cribbage Night at 203 Kombucha. It’s First Friday at Poppy Lane this week. Saturday is also a Kids Free Fishing Derby at the Palmer Elks Lodge. on Friday at the Palmer. There is a full lineup of live music starting Wednesday night with Jerry Wessling at the Palmer Alehouse. Thursday is Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini. Saturday night the Palmer Alehouse is sponsoring a big evening at the depot with Blackwater Railroad.

Prepare now for next week’s Special Pie Holiday in Palmer—March 14 (3.14) is Pi Day, which is remarkable because it is both a mathematical holiday and Einstein’s Birthday, However in Palmer, we celebrate 3-14 with Pie. Nearly all of the downtown eating establishments in Palmer leap into the act. Vagabonds, Turkey Red, Sunrise Grill and the Valley Hotel normally have plenty of pie plans. NonEssentials has perfected pies over the last year and will have some stellar offerings. Start thinking and planning now about your Palmer Pie Stroll next week. The Palmer Alaska Buzz will update the pie agenda next week, before the big day.

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. Her “Palmer Buzz 2022 Community Calendar” is available at NonEssentials. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222