Who Let the Girls Out? Events Friday and Saturday in Palmer

PALMER — Friday and Saturday is the seventh annual Who Let the Girls Out event, which takes place in downtown Palmer. The festival weaves local businesses together into a day of stimulation, shaking spring fever and bringing attention to Palmer’s shopping scene. It’s a time for locals — and even visitors from afar — to walk around, socialize, participate in activities designed especially for this weekend. Attendees can expect an assortment of things to do.

What to expect: music all day Saturday at Vagabond Blues, the 5K Run on Friday night, the fashion show at Klondike's that evening and shopping events all day on Saturday. There will be so much to do! Art/Crafts, Contests, Cooking Classes, Drawings, Food, Games, Giveaways, Gym Training, Live Music, Party, Photo Booth, Raffle, Sales, Shows, Tours, Wine Tastings and more.

After seven years, it seems this event has taken a life of it’s own. Josh Fryfogle has taken the reins this year as the lead coordinator since the creator Denise Stratz has had take a step back for personal reasons. Fryfogle and the Palmer businesses have since stepped up and kept the event on track. Fryfogle noted that most events are lucky to make it more than one year and for an event to make it this long indicates it will be around for a long time to come.

“I think it’s on their mental calendars,” Stratz laughs.

“I love the event because it’s such a co-op of local businesses working together for this event,” Fryfogle said. He stated the event has changed and evolved over the years. He also reveled in Palmer’s “brick and mortar” businesses; and how suitable the small town is to leisurely walk around the circuit, covering a lot of ground and diverse activities.

Stratz is still involved and is the creative director this year and shares Fryfogle’s view on the interconnection of small businesses working together with a common goal; bringing people together and stoking the economic fire. The coals are long-term relationships built over a shared experience.

“That’s what I love about it. You meet people and you begin to recognize the interconnectedness of our community,” said Stratz. She claimed people arrive from across the state and return, becoming customers and connections.

“There’s a relationship built because Palmer is a desirable place to be,” Stratz said. Due to her life’s demands she has had to let her hometown business family of sorts keep the flame alive.

“When there’s a need people come together,” Stratz said.

Who Let the Girls out is an all day event with around 30 participating businesses and 10 cash sponsors. Attendees can collect unique stamp passes from participating businesses to a goal of 25 total to be entered in a raffle for a prize worth $1,000.

Stratz reminds everyone that isn’t just for women — a lot of men show up, so they should come, too.