Sunflower time in Palmer

The best part of summer is when bunches of golden yellow sunflowers face you and smile wide. Their big heads track the sun as the hours progress during the day. According to research in the “New Phytologist,” our eastern facing sunflowers are the happiest, strongest, and healthiest. The document says that there is greater warmth, more light, more pollination and therefore far more productive seeds from eastern facing sunflowers. This concept holds true in Palmer sunflowers. After inspecting a number of gardens, the eastern facing sunflowers do indeed seem happier and bigger. There are at least 70 varieties of sunflowers including midgets to monsters and they come in all colors, including purple and pink and orange and red. The little dwarf sunflowers can be 15 inches high while the tall sunflowers can easily surpass 15 feet. You will see some marvelous sunflowers at the state fair next week.

New Businesses—Last week Palmer welcomed two new businesses to town. Each business received a similar ribbon-cutting and enthusiastic visit from greeters. Idita Wash, the new laundry, is in the formerly known Key Bank Plaza, near the Lady Barber, UPS, Roots and Tattoo Parlor. It is located at 1150 S. Colony Way. There are big shiny dryers and huge, new washing machines along with tables for folding. It’s well lit and feels friendly. There’s also a couple of really clean shower rooms, complete with a shower chair, total privacy and changing room. And you can drop off your laundry at Idita Wash, go do some errands, and then pick it up clean and folded! This is a great add to Palmer. The second new business is located directly across from City Hall at 226 W. Evergreen. The Connoisseur Lounge is Palmer’s first marijuana dispensary. It’s in a cute old, white building with a picket fence and decorative outdoor lighting. Inside the shop is designer signage, cool displays, polished cases, good lighting, premium products, and nice swag. This elegant business is also a quality add to Palmer.

Alaska State Fair Starts on Friday—It’s here! The Alaska State Fair! We are so happy it is back. Do you remember last year when it was canceled? It was the saddest thing. But it is back and YES, some things are different. But that’s okay because the change-ups are a result of caution and safety planning. We all know we are not done with this plague. But we are all smart enough to know that we CAN do things— if we’re careful and thoughtful. So this year’s fair is a bit different from other fairs.

What is Different?—The Fair is three weekends! And there are little pauses mid week! This is a good thing so that vendors get a break and an opportunity to clean, rest and reset for the three big weekends.

Another difference is the animal and vegetable element. Animals and vegetables won’t be at the fair until next week. This actually corresponds to the standard fair calendar of the third week of august so the entry date is essentially the same. The difference is that humans— attending the first long early weekend— won’t get to see the critters and veggies because those critters and veggies will still be growing in gardens or in farms. And that is good so critters and veggies can get plumper and fuller and ready for entry next week. And remember, every day in the garden is a big happy day of growth for a pumpkin or a cabbage.

There’s A New Roller Coaster!—This is pretty exciting. It’s called the “Aftershock.” I’m told it is very twisty-turney. It’s also is very architecturally interesting and even if you don’t ride it, it is remarkable to watch. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a new ride like a roller coaster. So let’s give it a whirl!!

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. She is also the creator of the annual Palmer Community Calendar. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222.