Settlers Bay solstice weekend promises to offer fundraising fun

WASILLA — Starting this Thursday is Settlers Bay Golf Course’s Solstice Weekend. It will be a community driven series of activities that benefit different causes. Thursday will be the Settlers Bay Solstice 5K Run at 7 p.m. and at 8, live music performed by The Jerry Wessling Band, a local band opening for the Deadphish Orchestra, a group visiting from the Lower 48 that, as the name might suggest, takes its inspiration from legendary bands Grateful Dead and Phish.

Both events fund the Great Land Trust’s project to develop a 300-acre coastal park, right behind the gold course near Knik Arm. The 5K Run starts at the golf course and goes through the newly bought property to “explore the lost coast of the Mat-Su.”

“The views are spectacular. There’s a creek where they’ve developed it to have salmon come through. It’s just a wonderful property that they are going to develop and create for everyone to enjoy,” said Vicky Howe, events coordinator for the Settlers Bay Golf Course and Albatross Restaurant.

Friday will be the Midnight Sun Golf Tournament at 8 p.m., ending at 2 a.m. Partnered with Midnight Sun Home Care, Inc., the tournament will benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Golfers play under the midnight sun and will be fed breakfast once they return.

Sunday is the Paining with Purpose event at 3:30p.m. Part of the Painting on the Green series, visitors can indulge their creativity for a cause in an artistic party led by Artists Uncorked — benefiting MyHouse. Artists will have wine and hors d'oeuvres at their disposal.

“All the events are fundraisers; that’s our main goal: to help the community,” Howe said.