What to do this weekend in Mat-Su (Dec. 11-14): Colony Christmas, shopping and songs
Some area events were originally scheduled for last week and pushed out due to the windstorm.
The weather outside is frightful, which can only mean it’s time for some delightful holiday events — you’ve just got to be a bit flexible.
The big windstorm that hit the Valley earlier this week — and potential high winds this weekend — have forced some event organizers to scramble and, in some cases, reschedule. But folks are powering through, and there’s still lots and lots to do on a busy weekend in the wind-swept Valley.
Weather permitting, here are our picks for what to do this weekend in the Mat-Su. Looking for more? Check out our community calendar.
The countdown is over
Nearing its 30th year, Colony Christmas is Palmer’s annual ode to Hallmark Christmastime downtown, complete with gallons of hot cocoa, neighborhoods of gingerbread homes, sleigh bells aplenty and even midwinter pyrotechnics. A complete schedule of events is available at palmerchamber.org. Highlights include:
- Festival of Trees and Holiday Market. Runs all three days of the festival at the Palmer Depot: noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
- Santa (and his reindeer). Santa will be visiting with children at the Borough Gym on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and again Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. His reindeer will also be making appearances Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.
- Running of the Beers. Saturday. This approximately 5K fun run, bike, ski or walk starts and ends at Bleeding Heart Brewery. Register online for $5 and receive a free beer or soda. Check-in is at 3 p.m., race begins at 5 p.m.
- Parade of Lights and fireworks show. Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. in downtown Palmer. Fireworks will follow the parade. If it’s too windy for fireworks, they may be postponed, but as of Wednesday afternoon, the Palmer Chamber of Commerce said there were no changes planned.
Shop for a cause
Local chapters of the Youth Education in Shooting Sports (YESS) programs will host their 17th Annual Alaska YESS Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday at Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer. The event features firearms, ammo, sporting equipment, camping gear, knives, antiques, crafts, food and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Unplug in Palmer
Blackwater Railroad’s Tyson Davis will perform a solo acoustic set at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Palmer Alehouse as part of the Palmer Alehouse Unplugged series. Davis, one of Alaska’s most well-known singer-songwriters, plans a “stripped-down show” offering a chance to “experience the depth, warmth, and spirit behind one of Alaska’s most beloved musicians.” The show is free with limited seating. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Weather causes GRPA event changes
The Mat-Su Ski Club’s Holiday Tree Tour, originally scheduled for Dec. 6, will now be held Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Government Peak Recreation Area. The festive, family-friendly open house includes a tour of decorated trees, hot drinks and warming fires. The club also rescheduled its free “Ski 101” clinic, originally planned for Dec. 13. A new date will be announced soon.
Messiah performances set for Sunday
The Glenn Massay Theater also reshuffled its schedule due to bad weather, moving a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” to Sunday, Dec. 14. Originally planned for last weekend, the concert was postponed due to the windstorm. Performances are now set for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the theater in Palmer. Admission is free and open to the public.
Ice time
Folks who haven’t had their fill of ice yet can stop by the Brett Ice Arena in Wasilla on Saturday for even more slippery shenanigans as the Learn to Skate program will present its annual holiday show. The free, family-friendly performance begins at 6 p.m. Spectators are welcome to bring their skates and stay afterward for a free community skate.