Variety, flavor highlight Friday Fling food offerings

The 25th edition of a popular Mat-Su summer street fair kicked off last week.

Friday Flings, a staple of downtown Palmer since 2002 and one of the state’s top open-air markets, welcomed winter-weary visitors with its usual array of artists, crafters, nonprofits, entertainers and, of course, food vendors. As always, as summer progresses, fresh local produce will be added to the weekly mix.

Although the weather on May 15 turned out to be better than forecast, the opening day crowd was lighter than usual, perhaps a function of school still being in session and the summer tourist season not yet near its peak.

Jason Smith, co-owner of Rhea’s food truck, and a veteran of previous Flings, said he did not mind the lighter crowd.

“Sometimes its nice to catch our breath and talk to people,” he said.

In its sixth year of operation, Rhea’s serves up smash burgers, gyros, Doner kebab, and a bunch of tasty appetizers, like jalapeno poppers and gourmet loaded French fries. There are also southwest chicken sandwich and pulled pork sandwich options, along with occasional specials. It’s all whipped up by Smith’s wife, Rhea, whom he said is the driving force behind the operation.

“I’m clever enough to just stay out of her way and take orders,” Smith said.

The Lead Dog also made its return to Friday Flings. In her 10th year of participation, Lead Dog owner Jana Griffin has cultivated a loyal following of fans of her gourmet hot dogs, bratwursts, and reindeer sausage.

But she said none of it would be possible without the steady assistance of her son, Glacier.

“He’s my right-hand man and behind-the-scenes guy,” Griffin said. “I couldn’t do it without him.”

The veteran food vendor said she does a lot of events over the course of a year, but the Friday Flings offer something special.

“I Iike the whole atmosphere – all the people, the vendors, the community – it’s just a fun place to come together,” she said.

Wasilla resident Marianne DeHart agreed. One of Lead Dog’s regular customers, who was waiting for her lunch to be prepared, said Griffin’s food is part of what keeps her coming back.

“She serves the best,” DeHart said. “It’s hot, steamed, and great.”

Rhea’s and Lead Dog were among the dozen or so food vendors lining South Valley Way last week offering an impressive assortment of cuisine. From Mexican and Asian, to burgers, pizza, and barbecue, it’s hard to go wrong with the Friday Fling for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon snack.

Friday Flings have been organized and coordinated by the Palmer Chamber of Commerce since 2019. Kelley Shoemake, executive director of the Chamber since 2024, said 26 different food vendors will rotate in and out of the lineup each week over the course of the summer.

“We’re especially excited to see the mix of returning favorites alongside new vendors this year,” she said. “That keeps the event fresh while still maintaining the traditions people look forward to each summer.”

That variety means there’s never a shortage of options.

“That’s one of the best things about the Friday Fling,” Shoemake said. “You know you’ll always be able to get something good and try something new.”

Fling-goers will not see any major changes this year. But Shoemake noted two ongoing construction projects – at the library and on Evergreen Street, near the Palmer Depot, will affect parking in the area.

She said none of it should limit attendees’ enjoyment or disrupt either commerce in the area or the sense of connection and community pride people experience there.

“The Flings are such a fun community tradition and a great way to kick off summer in Palmer. There’s really something for everyone — local vendors, food, live entertainment, family activities, and a chance to spend time downtown with friends and neighbors,” she said. “It’s also a great opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying everything that makes Palmer unique. Whether you’ve attended for years, or it’s your first time, the Flings always bring a great community atmosphere and a lot of energy to town.”

Friday Flings run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will continue weekly through Aug. 14.

FIND OUT MORE

www.palmerchamber.org/friday-fling