Underground tour unveils some of Palmer’s deepest secrets

PALMER — Only if you dare.

The secrets of underground Palmer will be revealed when the Palmer Arts Council hosts its first Palmer Underground Walking Tour 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.

It’s an event that promises to unveil some of the deep, dark secrets of places like the Colony Inn, UAF’s “Kremlin” building, the old morgue and the Alaskana Bookstore, according to Bridgette Preston, PAC president and event organizer. Preston said the walk is a take-off of those in big cities, like Portland, Ore.

“It’s something fun to do,” Preston said.

It’s also educational, said the longtime Palmer educator.

“We’ll be talking to people who know a lot about the buildings we’re going into,” she said.

And along the way, the walkers may confirm or dispel some of Palmer’s enduring myths.

“There have always been these persistent stories and rumors about underground tunnels in Palmer,” Preston said. “I’ve lived in Palmer for 30 years and I have often wondered.”

While she said there aren’t exactly catacombs or crypts under the city, there are some pretty interesting things stashed in some of the cellars. Tickets are $25 and on sale at Fireside Books in Palmer. Only 30 will be sold. Participants must be able to walk at a brisk pace and maneuver staircases and tight places.

PAC is also hosting another fun event a week earlier.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, “The Beet Goes On” will put the oft-maligned vegetable centerstage at Strangebird Consulting in downtown Palmer.

The informal, drop-in event features beet stamping, beet painting and beet eating — including beet dip and beet cookies.

Preston said she patterned it after a Los Angeles event, figuring beets grow well in Palmer.

For details on the events, visit palmerartscouncil.org.

A $5 donation covers art projects and edibles.