Palmer’s Raven Hall

This huge enclosed building at the Alaska State Fair Ground has been the location of annual meetings, beer gardens, carnivals and ceremonies. But none of these events have been as meaningful as the Covid Vaccine Clinics, which occurred at Raven Hall in the last few weeks.

Major Multi-use—Raven Hall was fully constructed in the mid 90’s and completed in 1997. The building itself is nearly a half-acre in size, specifically 20,000 square feet of clear span space, which means there aren’t any dividing walls. It is one of those buildings that was well-planned to be anything it needed to be. And it has become many things including the location for massive transportation fairs, elegant dances, Halloween parties, fundraisers, dog shows, gun shows, decor markets, work apprenticeship trainings, funerals, weddings, roller derbies and banquets.

Sales Pitch—During Fair time, Raven Hall is the home of a huge variety of vendors selling everything from vacuum sweepers, massage chairs, pillows, beds, bird-feeders, blenders, pots and pans and dead butterflies mounted in frames. Political parties, nonprofits, faith groups and the City of Juneau always have a vendor spot in Raven Hall. It is the covered closure one always heads to immediately—when the Fair rains come. It is a spot you go to when you need to mail a package. It is a spot you go to when you need a pair of sunglasses or hand cream. Much of the products sold at Raven Hall are impulse buys, with highly-skilled salespeople hawking their goods.

True Purpose—Last week’s Community Covid Vaccination Clinic showed off the beauty, value and true use of this building as an essential community evacuation site, should one be needed. It has fully handicapped facilities, plenty of restrooms, a full kitchen, parking, access, sound systems, stages, screens, seats and tables. I am certain cots could be acquired if they were needed. The open space is conducive to handling lots of people’s needs. We are so fortunate to have this building in our community.

Perfect Place—The many Vaccine Clinic volunteers and assistants were friendly and informative. All participants and workers wore masks. Registration was easy. The signage was clear. Taped lines on the floor gave clear direction. Parking lot attendants were helpful. It was clean with socially distanced seating and writing areas. The many professionals were alert and responsive. In all, Raven Hall proved itself as a perfect spot for a perfect clinic. Great gratitude to all the compassionate organizers and special kudos to the Mat Su Boro Emergency Services, Mat Su Health Public Health, Alaska Division of Health and Social Services and Mat Su Health Foundation.

Dressed For the Weather—We have all seen the many memes of Bernie sitting in a folding chair, wearing a really warm winter jacket with big burly mittens. It isn’t a political statement or image; instead it is a refreshing recognition of a man who knows how to sensibly dress for the weather, despite everyone else wearing high fashion. I think this is why it resonates with Alaskans. And Palmer doesn’t mess around with high fashion, when it comes to warmth in the winter. Bernie’s little image has been hilariously transplanted and photoshopped into many spots in Palmer—in front of the train depot, on the old Glenn Highway Bridge, in front of various businesses, on snow-machines, in line at the Palmer post office and on a dog sled. It is just plain funny to see this kinda grumpy guy stoically placed in our environment and community.

Wash your hands and stay safe Palmer!

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