PARNELL’S PICNIC

PALMER — Linda Jo Klapperich was at ease in her cow costume Friday grazing on grub at the annual Governor’s Family Picnic.

Klapperich, aka Elsie the Cow, was one of hundreds to file into Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds to munch on barbecue pork and burgers, and chew a little fat with their neighbors.

Sporting a sign proclaiming her “udder” support for Gov. Sean Parnell, Klapperich the cow’s enthusiasm would’ve given the Energizer Bunny a run for his money.

“I’m in the moooood for a picnic today,” she said, instructing that “moooood” was spelled with five Os.

After many years in Wasilla, the picnic moved to Palmer, and the event marks an eventful year for Parnell. After former governor Sarah Palin resigned from office, Parnell was sworn in at the state’s top elected official at the Fairbanks picnic last summer. Monday is his official anniversary of taking office.

“It’s been a full one,” said Parnell, sporting a bright red Alaska Grown sweatshirt. “I’ve just been excited to focus on economic growth and opportunities for families through the legislative initiatives and through everything else we do. We’re here now just to give back and make ourselves available.”

Now Parnell faces stiff competition in the upcoming Republican Primary from challenger Bill Walker. When asked about going into the final weeks before the Aug. 24 primary, Parnell said he feels “good” about his prospects. “But today we’re going to focus on the picnic with the governor, so I’m going to stick with that.”

Families is the theme for this year’s series of picnics, which include events in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks. In the Valley, it was also an opportunity to feature Alaska Grown vittles.

All the meat was from Mount McKinley Meat and Sausage in Palmer, enough to feed 2,000 people, said Frank Huffman, one of the grillmasters.

Along with about 500 hot dogs, the large grill cooked up 400 pounds of barbecue pork and 400 pounds of hamburger patties.

“We thought it was appropriate to feature Alaska Grown with the picnic,” said Franci Havemeister, a Palmer area resident and director of the state Division of Agriculture. “The burgers, the pork, the rhubarb lemonade, the potatoes, the onions — just about everything — is Alaska Grown.”

Yes, she said rhubarb lemonade, provided by Palmer-based Alaska Rhubarb Co. The lemonade was the hit of the picnic for many, including Susan Reed.

“I really like the rhubarb lemonade,” she said. “I’ve never had it before. I’ve had it with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, but never rhubarb. It’s an odd combination, but it’s good.”

For others, a chance to meet the governor was a fringe benefit.

“It’s the free food, that’s why I’m here,” said Kevin Williams, a 16-year-old Colony High School student. “If there’s something I can get into for free. I’ll be there. The price is right.”

Parnell told the crowd about the importance of family and building strong values.

“Being an Alaska family, sometimes being a family is messy and hard,” he said. “Sometimes it’s joyful, but always it’s strong when we’re together.”

And while he’s less than two weeks away from his primary run-off with Walker, the picnic mood precluded politicking for the afternoon. And if we saw Walker at the picnic?

“I’ll serve him a hot dog, too.”

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.