Valley Freedom Festival: Local residents band together to put on Independence Day parade and festival

WASILLA — A number of Valley residents took it upon themselves to host a two-day festival with a parade on Independence Day in Palmer, featuring over 50 vendors and an assortment of contests and activities.

The event is called the Valley Freedom Festival, as it’s the committee’s mission to promote individual freedom of choice, according to committee member, Jason Johnson. He said it’s about giving people the chance to get out of the house to celebrate patriotically with their community.

“People should have a choice,” Johnson said.

The committee is comprised of residents with varying occupations, some of the business owners, according to Johnson. He said the committee formed in wake of the city of Wasilla’s decision decision to cancel the city’s annual Independence Day parade and accompanying community celebration.

Johnson said that he isn’t sure how many people will show up but he hopes a lot of people decide to show up.

“It just depends how people feel. If 1,000 people show up throughout the day, I think that would be a good turnout but I think that might be an unrealistic expectation,” Johnson said.

The entire festival will be held outdoors. Johnson said there will be plenty of room and people can choose to wear masks if that makes them more comfortable.

“We’re not trying to be irresponsible… We’re just giving people the choice,” Johnson said. “People are gonna have something get out and do. They can celebrate freedom and have a good time.”

Aside from shopping from local vendors, people can enter a variety of contests and games at the festival. There will even be a pet parade with prizes for the best-dressed pets.

“There’s gonna be all sorts of stuff going on,”

There will be several vendors from the Alaska State Fair, like Alaska Soda Jerks and Dip and Dots. With the fair canceled this year due to COVID-19, Johnson said it’s really important to have opportunities like this to help vendors make up some of their losses.

“It gives them a chance to sell their wares or show off what they’ve got,” Johnson said.

Vendors will be selling goods from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the MTA Events Center in downtown Palmer, near Palmer Junior Middle School. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

For more information and a full schedule, visit valleyfreedomfest.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontri ersman.com