Palmer is lilac town

Every year it get’s better and better. Lilac shrubs, bushes and trees are fat with the exquisite and irreplaceable scent of lilac. The heady aroma is euphoric and short-lived. But we remember it. It is no accident that the Pioneer Cemetery in Palmer has so very many lilac plantings. The strong, reminiscent scent is full of memories and love.

Bug Count??—It has been noted and observed that there are not nearly the same amount of bugs smashed on windshields as in past years. This is true in Palmer and many other places. What does this mean? Research shows that insects are declining in number. And it is no where more obvious than splattered on the windshield of your vehicle.

Oh Solstice Love—This is the apogee! The pinnacle!! The climax!! It’s our “bright light time” with all the vigor and nourishment possible. The over-abundance of sunlight soaks deep into our pores and saturates our soul, so that we can withstand the shortness of winter light. It’s important to pay attention to the extroverted energy force which comes with the sun. Save it up for the dark time. And go ahead and weed—at midnight in your pajamas. It’s part of our joy.

Alaska Scottish Highland Games—This weekend Palmer’s Alaska State Fairgrounds comes to life in plaids, kilts and bagpipes. It is the Alaska Scottish Highland Games! If you have not attended this, you should. There is so much to see and do. Crazy athletic contests are wonderful to watch. Celtic dancing is joyful and lively. There is Scotch Whiskey and Mead Tastings. There are sometime skilled sheepdogs and kites. There is drumming!!!! There is Jade, the remarkable, shaggy cow, also known as the Highland Coo. There’s tug of war, historical demonstrations, tall tales, eating contests, Chef cooking demonstrations, tea tent, children’s activities, blacksmith demonstrations, British cars, axe throwing, salmon tossing, vendors, food trucks and lots of music, including the Harp twins. This is a clan gathering and Palmer is so fortunate to have this terrific festival in our back yard. It’s both Saturday and Sunday and well worth your while. It definitely feels like a smaller and more curated, thematic state fair.

Palmer Chamber of Commerce—This hard-working local organization is responsible for all the public festivals, flings and parades in our town….and we have many. Congratulations to the new board members! And huge thanks to the outgoing board members…you worked hard and our town is grateful for your honest and extensive efforts. Never, ever discount the value or amount of volunteer efforts behind all these Palmer events.

In Addition to the Highland Games there is More Palmer Weekend Fun—Friday afternoon is a book signing by John and Rebecca Wolfe at Fireside Books; They produced a new version of “Alaska Adventure 55 Ways.” This weekend the Palmer band, Braided River, is playing at the Palmer Ale House on Saturday. There’s a truck show at the racetrack. Ak Rhymefest 2022 is at Klondike Mike’s on Saturday evening and it celebrates Alaska’s most talented MC’s and R&B artists. There is a vintage flight seeing inaugural tour (on a DC-3) at the Palmer Municipal Airport on Saturday morning. And there is a Gyotaku Fish Printing event at the Art Cafe on Saturday.

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 on Main Street. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222