What to do this weekend in Mat-Su (March 13-15): Ski, golf, ice and books
The weekend weather is expected to be cold and bright -- and perfect for this parade of fun activities across the region.
There are events indoors and out this weekend across Mat-Su, where longer daylight hours and good snow conditions should make for plentiful entertainment opportunities.
Highlights include a low-key ski meetup, libations for literacy, a Sunday St. Patrick’s Day celebration and a pair of icy outdoor adventures for the whole family.
From frosty to festive, here are our picks for what to do this weekend:
Happy trails
Meet other skiers, enjoy groomed ski trails and bask in the long daylight hours of spring during the Mat-Su Ski Club’s inaugural Sip and Ski event Friday at 3 p.m. at Government Peak Recreation Area. The “casual community ski meetup” will feature a short group ski (30-45 minutes) followed by hot drinks at the trailhead. The meetup is free, but there is a $5 parking fee at the borough-maintained facility. For more information, visit the Mat-Su Sentinel community calendar.
Books and brew
Learn about a local nonprofit and enjoy an adult beverage — all for a good cause — Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. during a Bright Lights Book Project fundraiser at Bleeding Heart Brewery in Palmer.
A portion of proceeds from beer sales during the event will go to the Bright Lights Book Project, a Palmer-based charity that distributes books throughout the Mat-Su and Alaska. The nonprofit stocks more than 40 free public bookcases throughout the Valley and last year distributed more than 70,000 books. A representative from the group will be on hand during the fundraiser to provide more information about its efforts. See their Facebook page for more information.
Fore a good cause
Golfers don’t typically like to aim for the water, but they’ll have no choice Saturday at the Palmer Elks’ annual Golf on Ice fundraiser on Finger Lake.
Teams of four will head onto the ice in a shotgun start beginning at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and costs $125 for a team of four or $35 for singles. The bar and grill at the club will open at 10 a.m. during the event. For more information, email hc.elks1842@gmail.com or visit the Mat-Su Sentinel calendar.
Chill out with the family
It was too cold for ice fishing on Lake Lucille last weekend, so organizers of a Family Winter Fun Day have rescheduled the event to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stillwater Cottages, 400 S. Lake St., in Wasilla. Featuring ice skating (bring your own skates), ice fishing (don’t forget a license), fire pits, food trucks, outdoor games and saunas, all events take place on the ice of Lake Lucille and are free to attend. For more information, visit the Mat-Su Sentinel calendar.
Shamrock shenanigans
Searching for some early St. Patrick’s Day fun? You’re in luck Sunday, with an afternoon of community events planned from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Palmer Depot during The Little Engine That Could St. Patrick’s Day Celebration to benefit the new Palmer Library.
Events include “Palmer’s Dash for Gold” (5-kilometer and 10-kilometer footraces, plus a 1-mile fun run for kids 10 and under), Irish folk music by Lisa Maloney and Maya MacDonald of Bosca Ceoil, Irish dance by the Alaska Treble Makers and other activities from the Palmer Arts Council.
There will be a short parade at 2 p.m. (costumes and noisemakers encouraged) as well as kombucha and coffee for purchase alongside Palmer Library merchandise.
The 10K race starts at 2:30 p.m., followed by the 5K at 2:40 p.m. and the kids’ mile at 2:50 p.m. Events and entertainment at the Depot are free, while the Dash for Gold 5K and 10K races cost $35. All proceeds go to the new Palmer Library. Race registration closes at 8 a.m. March 14. For more information, visit the Mat-Su Sentinel calendar.
-- Matt Tunseth is a freelance writer from Southcentral Alaska. Email him at matthew.tunseth@gmail.com.