Two-fisted fun

PALMER — Downtown Palmer resembled the Alaska State Fairgrounds a few miles down the road this weekend for the annual Colony Days. The three-day event annually draws thousands of visitors to the area and this year was no exception.

Opening day weather might have been overcast but mild temperatures and sunshine brought out more and more people as Friday progressed. Things kicked officially kicked off with the Lions pancake breakfast. After that, there was something for everyone.

Whether one wanted to learn about tanning moose hides, listen to traditional music, fly a kite, or take a look at classic automobiles and motorcycles—it could be found at this year’s Colony Days celebration sponsored by the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce.

Things kicked into high gear mid-afternoon Friday with the first big event—the bed races downtown. This year saw eight teams vie for the title. The crew from the Palmer High School football team took the local sports legend title. In the overall community races, The Pain Gang from Algone Pain Clinic emerged victorious while the Okies—self-described as a ‘cool group of tourists’ —placed second followed by the crew from the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce.

While many Valley residents made the trek, the event also brought some far-away visitors. John and Amy McGlenn and family were on their way to Fairbanks with their rented RV Friday morning. John said he stopped in Eagle River to refresh the gas tank and family and heard about the festivities going on just up the road.

“It was right on the way anyway,” McGlenn said. “We stayed in Anchorage yesterday and were headed north. Palmer is much like our hometown in North Dakota. It’s really nice but the scenery is a heck of a lot better! I’m glad we stopped.”

Saturday’s weather may have started on the damp side, but it didn’t dampen spirits. The day kicked off with the annual Lions Club pancake breakfast which fueled participants and onlookers of the late-morning parade through downtown Palmer. A full slate of activities followed as the event kicked into high gear.

A full day of events is still on the docket for today. Included is the Bill Mitchell 5k run-walk kicking off at 11 a.m. The event’s midway will still have a full complement of activities including games, rides, and food for every taste. At noon, the First-To-Four tennis tournament, sponsored by the Mat-Su Tennis Association, begins at the Palmer Tennis Courts at the corner of Gulkana and East Elmwood Drive.

Things spill over to the Alaska State Fairgrounds’ grandstand at 2 p.m. for the 2017 Rodeo Alaska Champions Tour Rodeo. In between it all, those interested can check out a rhubarb cooking contest, find out more about the Upper Midwest colonists that settled the Palmer area more than 75 years ago at the Palmer Museum, or find out more about the early history of road transportation in Alaska with Lyndon Transportation’s mobile museum.