Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 20th. That’s when the Emergency Expo takes over the Menard Center in Wasilla, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is a family event with food trucks and fun and admission is free.
This year’s event is bigger than ever, with 87 hands-on exhibits and an expected 2,500 people attending. The first 200 attendees through the doors score an emergency swag bag packed with goodies.
The Expo has come a long way since it began 17 years ago when Bea Adler and Debra McGahn met through emergency preparedness work. That’s when the friends decided to create a community event that helps people prepare for all kinds of disasters. With just six months of planning each year, Bea, Debra, and a team of more than 40 volunteers deliver the interactive and informative event.
The definition of “emergency” keeps growing. Beyond earthquakes and natural disasters, this Expo covers everything from identity theft and computer viruses to financial troubles and automobile breakdowns—everyday crises. Debra says they want people to be not only resilient but prepared in the event of a disaster.
New to the Expo this year is a realistic earthquake simulation room. Attendees work to problem-solve their way out of a basement damaged after a major earthquake. There’s also a brand-new backcountry survival exhibit, a scavenger hunt, and a poster contest. The poster contest is open to all ages. Contestants design the poster on-site and attendees vote for the winner. The winners in each age bracket will be recognized at a Borough Assembly meeting.
The Expo is supported by the Mat Su Health Foundation, the Mat-Su Borough, Alaska Safe Riders, AARP Alaska, the American Red Cross, the City of Wasilla and the Mat-Su Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Here are some events to look forward to today and throughout the week
- The School Board meets tonight at 6pm. The audio is live streamed from our website at bigcabbagradio.org.
- The first of 6 open houses to discuss the proposed 7 cent fuel excise tax will be held at Butte Elementary School on Wednesday Sept 17 from 6pm to 8pm
- Dual Enrollment Meeting information meeting on classes Mat-Su students can take and get credit at the school district and at the college at Mat-Su College tonight 6-7pm.
- On Saturday at American Legion Post 15 at 1600 South Mystic Circle in Palmer there’s a bluegrass benefit concert and auction supporting our local veterans. The event starts at 6:30 PM and it’s free, though donations are appreciated through bidding or giving. The Robinsons Brother Band and the Peterson Family Band will provide the music. All are welcome.
- Also on Saturday is the 20th anniversary celebration of Blood-n- Fire Ministry at 244 South Sylvan Rd. in Wasilla from 3 to 6 PM. This event includes a free BBQ dinner, a bake sale, a craft sale, a silent auction, kid fun zone, testimonials, live music, and more. Blood-n-Fire Ministries provide food, clothing, and shelter for those in need.
Thank you for your continued support for Big Cabbage Radio. It’s never too late to donate and be a part of your community radio station. Donate today.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two, Wednesday Sept 17, 2025.