Sunshine returns for Governor’s Picnic

WASILLA — Sunshine broke through an otherwise rainy Friday, allowing hundreds 0f Mat-Su Valley residents to enjoy the annual Governor’s Picnic here.

Volunteers worked overtime constructing a virtual tent city at Iditarod Park and Honor Garden to help protect those meeting and greeting Gov. Sarah Palin and dozens of local and state officials.

Sponsored in part by the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, the Governor’s Picnic this year celebrated 50 years of statehood with its theme, “The Nifty Fifties,” showcasing classic cars, poodle skirts, swing music and a 6-foot-by-5-foot, eight-flavor cake. Even Elvis made an appearance.

Palin was joined by Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, state Rep. Wes Keller, state Attorney General Talis Colberg and many other local and state officials, along with candidates in this year’s upcoming elections, in serving hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, drinks and cotton candy to hungry residents.

Dozens of local businesses, including the soon-to-be opened Target, offered their services and giveaways to locals as they waited for the governor to make her appearance.

Palin arrived shortly after 4:30 p.m. with her husband, Todd, and four of her five children, including 3-month-old son, Trig. Palin immediately began shaking hands and posing for photo opportunities before being ushered away to serve watermelon slices with her daught er Piper and Parnell.

At 5 p.m., Palin took to the stage following local swing band Just Playin’ to welcome everyone to the festivities.

“I’m extremely proud of Valley trash,” Palin joked. “And in the company of all of you, I can say that respectfully.”

Palin, in the midst of controversy over last week’s firing of state Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan, tried to keep the focus on community support for local and state government.

“It’s always nice to be able to come back to Wasilla and say ‘thank you’ to the people that make this such a great state,” said Palin, a Wasilla resident. “It’s an honor for us to be here and seeing the community step up. Valley-ites are amazing people. Despite our political differences, it’s important to see friends sharing a good time.”

Cheryl Metiva, executive director of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, said the 10-member Governor’s Picnic committee works year-round to make the outdoor meet and greet memorable.

“It turned out to be a beautiful day,” Metiva said, sporting a poodle skirt and ’50s-style sweater. “This year we wanted to add something special to the picnic by honoring our service men and women with a military appreciation ceremony. Add 50 years of statehood and you have a pretty good party.”

At 6 p.m., the governor hung up her plastic serving gloves to participate in the ceremony, organized by local veterans advisory chair Bert Hall.

“For those of us in our 70s, anything with 50 has nifty in it,” Hall said.

The Alaska Children’s Choir sang “The Star Spangled Banner” as members of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army Reserve and other branches of service stood at attention.

Loved ones of service men and women from the Mat-Su Valley serving in the armed forces lined up to receive honorary Blue Star Banners representing their families’ service to their country.

“It means a great deal to me,” said Kaarina Stamm of Wasilla, holding her Blue Star Banner flag. Stamm, whose son Timothy is serving in the U.S. Coast Guard outside of Kodiak, said the flag represents to her the level of support her son receives for his service.

Contact J.J. Harrier at valleylife@frontiers-man.com or 352-2269.