Archive for the 'Around Palmer' Category

COLONY CHRISTMAS 2011 December 2nd, 2011

Categories: Around Palmer, Events, Seasons

downtownpalmerpan

It has been a while since we updated, and we’re sorry about that, but this news is well worth paying attention to!

COLONY CHRISTMAS 2011!

Whew, it’s finally here! We’ve been getting plenty more snow to deck the rooftops and trees, as well as our front yards around town. But on top this powdery delight, businesses around town have decorated their store fronts in Christmas lights and other decorations.

To kick off the Colony Christmas celebrations, Light Up Palmer begins on Sunday, December 4th, at 4pm. That is THIS SUNDAY!
According to the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, wagon rides, caroling and other activities will also take place!
AND I heard rumors of fireworks at 5:50pm! You don’t wanna miss that!

Fireside Books during Colony Christmas 2010

Fireside Books during Colony Christmas 2010

The majority of Colony Christmas events will center around next weekend, December 9-11. For a full schedule of the events, vist the Palmer Chamber page.

Smoosh Racing - 2010

Smoosh Racing - 2010

Some of my favorite Colony Christmas events include the following:

  • Parade of Lights sponsored by MTA – Saturday, Dec 10, 5pm
  • The multiple Arts and Crafts Fairs throughout the weekend
  • The Kids Games – Saturday Dec 10, Noon to 3pm at the Palmer Depot
  • Snowshoe Obstacle Course – Saturday, Dec 10, 12:30-1:30pm
  • Smoosh Racing! – Saturday, Dec 10, 2-3:30pm
  • FIREWORKS! sponsored by BP – Saturday, Dec 10, 6:30pm

    • Again, CLICK HERE for the FULL Colony Christmas Schedule!

    A taste of last year’s fireworks:

    What in the world is Smoosh Racing? Watch the video below of one of last year’s races!

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    Alaska Agriculture Appreciation Day – Palmer AK! August 11th, 2011

    Categories: Around Palmer, Events, Seasons

    I found out about the Alaska Agriculture Appreciation Day down at the UAF experimental farms last minute… but was still able to stop by and snap some photos!

    Enjoy! (click on the photos for a larger view)

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    Drive up the Glenn Hwy July 6th, 2011

    Categories: Around Palmer, Businesses, Restaurants and Cafes

    I LOVE driving up the Glenn Hwy. I love it! Today I had to take a trip up near the Matanuska Glacier to put up some signs for Valley Market Real Estate. Both lots have glacier views and have quite a bit of acreage. Click above for more info about them.

    Artsy iPhone snapshot

    Artsy iPhone snapshot

    As I stopped to put up sign number one, a camper van pulled over on the other side of the highway. I chatted with the couple from California. They were overwhelmed by the sight of the glacier and snapped several photos.

    I stopped in at the Matanuska Glacier Recreation site to use the facilities and was hit on by an overly friendly tourist. I smiled anyway and took advantage of the perfect view of the glacier.

    Nother artsy iPhone shot

    Nother artsy iPhone shot

    I’ve been driving, or riding, on this stretch of the Glenn Hwy for as long as I can remember. My dad would take my family camping almost every summer up in a cabin in the tiny community of Victory, around mile 95. Sometimes if we forgot breakfast supplies, we would stop by Long Rifle Lodge for some filling food in the morning.

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    Home for Sale in Victory

    Home for Sale in Victory

    Today I stopped in at Victory Bible Camp and said hello to a friend from Palmer who is working up there for the summer. I dipped my feet in one of the lakes on camp property and my mind filled with memories of friends’ and family members’ baptisms as well as fishing/canoeing trips in the same water. Everyone waves at everyone else in Victory, whether they recognize them or not. I checked on a beautiful, newer home we currently have for sale and made sure the sign was still visible.

    Long Lake

    Long Lake

    I stopped by Long Lake and greeted some fishermen and their dog. As I came into Sutton, I dropped in to the Sutton General Store and purchased a cold drink. I was wished a “Wonderful Day!” by the cashier.

    The Glenn Highway is a memorable drive in any weather, but today was perfect. If you are interested in property or a home up this way, give my dad, Marty Van Diest, a call at (907) 232-7900.

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    Palmer’s Colony Days 2011! June 9th, 2011

    Categories: Around Palmer, Events, Palmer People

    After much anticipation… Colony Days is here again!
    Click for a Schedule of events.

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    Highlights include the Colony Days Parade, Saturday at 11 AM.

    Quilt Walkabout – all weekend during open hours in various shops.

    Valley BBQ Bash Contest – starting Friday at 10AM near the Palmer Library.

    CELEBRITY DUNK TANK – Saturday from 10 – 5.

    Petting Zoo, Live Music, Face Painting, Expanded Friday Fling/Market, Bed Races, Smoked Salmon Contest, Bill Mitchell Fun Run, Blood Drive, Car Rally and MORE!

    Here are some quick links for Colony Days events provided by the Palmer Chamber of Commerce.

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    Valley BBQ Bash May 24th, 2011

    Categories: Around Palmer, Businesses, Events

    1st Annual BBQ Bash
    June 11-12 2011
    Palmer, AK

    So you think you can cook? How about proving it!

    Alaska BBQ Supply is putting on this yummy event and even if you aren’t a cook, you can enjoy the food! With $10,000 in cash prizes and 8 cooking categories, this is the contest to enter! This contest is not just for professionals; all you everyday backyard BBQer’s are encouraged to cook away!

    Categories:
    Steak
    Salmon
    Sauce
    Brisket
    Pork Butts
    Ribs
    Chicken
    Desserts

    Entry cost is $200 for all eight categories or $35 per category.
    For more information go to AlaskaBBQSupply.com or call 907-841-0789.

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