Palmer toots its horn proudly

PALMER -- Kids with yellow and green balloons scampered around the Palmer Depot lawn Friday as adults talked with friends and listened to music.

The annual Palmer Pride was held under threatening skies but that didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm during an evening of food and fun. People heaped their plates with large helpings of salad, peas and hot dogs -- all of it donated by local farmers and business owners.

"This started as a way for the local businesses to give back to the community," Palmer Mayor Jim Cooper said. "All the veggies are Valley veggies … well, except the olives."

The hungry throng kept Dan and Gareth Pollock busy grilling an estimated 650 hot dogs. Mount McKinley Meat and Sausage's specialty dogs called "Palmer Pride" were introduced a few years ago specifically for the town's celebration.

The event drew more than local residents this year. Jerry Foster of North Palm Beach, Fla., roamed the grounds along with everyone else. He and his wife, Shirley, have been on the road since May 27 and have taken in most of Mat-Su's sights.

"We wanted to find every road in Alaska and go to the end," Foster said, adding that the couple have taken a liking to Palmer.

"It's nice. It's like a little farming community."

Foster didn't seem to mind the cool temperatures, although he was clad in three layers.

"What I like is when people complain about how hot it is here," he said.

Foster was one of many who walked over to inspect a shiny bullet-shaped railcar on display by its manufacturer, Colorado Railcar. The self-propelled passenger railcar is the type being considered by Alaska Railroad Corp. officials for possible commuter service between the Mat-Su and Anchorage.

Most everyone liked the large windows on the side and upper portion of the car, as well as plush leather seats. However, half the car's seats were more reminiscent of a city bus -- tiny metal chairs with thin cloth padding.

"I wouldn't choose to ride two times a day sitting in those seats," said Cindy Woodings of Palmer. She added that commuter service would work only if there's a good system for dispersal of riders once in Anchorage. Woodings said she used to live in Anchorage and was faster on crutches than the People Mover.

Near the end of Friday's festivities, after Jana Berna's crowd-pleasing rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner," Cooper announced award winners for 2003.

Nine entries were selected as winners of the Home Beautification Award. They included, in no significant order, yards at 391 N. Eklutna, 444 N. Chugach, 1065 Ronda, 1210 W. Beaver, 620 Colville Lane, 985 Wickersham, 382 N. Bailey, 413 S. Gulkana and 408 E. Fireweed.

Business awards went to the Mat-Su Miners, In and Out Deli and Children's Place.

Cooper emphasized that several others had contributed to Friday's Palmer Pride through donations of food or services. Those included Bionic Chiropractic, Verda's Cakes 'n Things, Job Corps, Carrs Safeway, Just Sew, Slack's Sugar Shack, the city of Palmer, Valley Hotel, Bush's Bunches, John Hett and Palmer Produce, in addition to McKinley Meats.

The announcement of Palmer's 2003 Citizen of the Year culminated the festivities. Cooper gave the crowd hints before revealing the prize-winner.

"The things this person does are usually behind the scenes," he said. "He's spent virtually all his life in or around Palmer, and hasn't left the state since 1982. He sold his motorcycle so he could rent a tux to take [future wife] Kelly to the prom. If you don't know who it is, it's the guy who's been cooking hot dogs."

Dan Pollock walked out of the crowd, looking a little sheepish, and accepted a key to the city from Cooper.

"This is cool," Pollock said. "I really love the people here."