Mat-Su Untold storytelling night draws sold-out crowd in Palmer
The annual event featured live storytelling from Mat-Su residents.
PALMER – Mat-Su Untold 2026: A Night of Community Storytelling brought together a sold-out crowd Friday for an evening of powerful, personal stories celebrating life in the Mat-Su Valley — and raised critical support for local nonprofit journalism.
Held at the Palmer Depot, the two-hour event featured seven local storytellers sharing true, deeply personal stories centered on the theme “Things That Move Us.” Inspired by the spirit of Arctic Entries, each story was told live, inviting the audience into moments of joy, humor, vulnerability and resilience that reflect the shared experiences of living in the Mat-Su.
This year’s storytellers were Denise Statz, Ira Edwards, Brad Carper, Pat Durand, Michele Harmeling, Mikey Evans and Carly Schreck, whose stories drew joy and reflection throughout the evening.
The event, which also included live and silent auctions, raised about $10,000 to support the work of the Mat-Su Sentinel.
“These storytelling nights are about more than fundraising,” said Amy Bushatz, founder and executive editor of the Mat-Su Sentinel. “They create space for people to listen to one another, to recognize shared experiences and to feel connected to the place we call home. For the Sentinel, that sense of community connection is at the heart of why local journalism matters — and why it’s worth sustaining.”
Auction items were donated by a wide range of local and Alaska-based businesses, including Outbound Heli Adventures; Sheep Mountain Lodge; RC Detail; Snip and Clip Alaska; the Alaska State Fair; Aktive Soles; Palmer Brewing Co.; Farm Loop Coffee; the Palmer MTA Center; Jaded Body Wellness and Spine Institute; Backcountry Bike and Ski; Lekker Coffee; Black Birch Books; Alauda Coffee; Fireside Books; AK Mountain Dog; Yoga Shack; AK Republic; Skeetawk; Hair by Claire; Perch Cabins; Panorama Pizza Pub; and the Alaska Railroad.
Drinks for the evening were donated by Palmer Brewing Co. and Hamilton Farms, while food was catered by Affordable Catering.
Mat-Su Sentinel plans to move the event next year to the Glenn Massay Theater to accommodate more community members and continue expanding the reach of this signature storytelling night.
Mat-Su Sentinel's next event is a community party at the MTA Center featuring The Super Saturated Sugar Strings and celebrating the end of the winter season.