It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Thursday April 16, 2026.
Heads up, Glenn Highway travelers! The Zipper Merge is coming back! The northbound Peters Creek Bridge in Chugiak will be closed for 45 days starting Saturday.
All traffic will travel on the southbound bridge. There will be three lanes like last year. The zipper machine will make sure that there are two lanes in the peak traffic direction.
More info is at glennbridges.com.
Now, let’s look at weekend events. Old Man Winter seems to be sticking around. To heck with him, let’s find something fun to do. Here are a few events happening around the Greater Palmer Metroplex and beyond.
Steve Norwood, performing as Solo Steve, brings his blend of folk, rock, bluegrass, and country to the Palmer Alehouse Unplugged tonight. More information is on the Palmer Alehouse Facebook page.
Friday brings a concert with Ken Waldman at Lekker Coffee and Baking Company. He will play music and recite poetry. The performance starts at 6:30. Tickets and info are at palmerarts.org. Lekker is at the corner of South Valley Way and Arctic Avenue in Palmer.
The Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show at the Menard Sports Center runs from tomorrow through Sunday. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the William Jack Hernandez Fish Hatchery partnered with the show for a kid’s trout fishing pond. Free fishing for kids under 15 at the show! Ticketing and info are at matsuoutdoorsmanshow.com.
A workshop on Food Security Through Agriculture is on the State Fairgrounds at the Purple Gate Events building on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn how small-scale farming can strengthen Alaska’s food systems. Gain the skills to start growing. Presentations and seminars will be at the Event building and the Rebarchek Farm from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Finish the day with networking and table discussions from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be refreshments and door prizes!
Check in at the Purple Gate Events building for this free event. Attend as many or few sessions as you wish. Presentations are designed for adults. Children must remain with a supervising adult. More info is in the Facebook event.
Cayenne Sirois will sign copies of her book, Between, at Fireside Books on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. It’s a found-family fantasy romance exploring the afterlife.
Be transported to the roaring ‘20s at the Colony High School’s A Knight of Jazz on Saturday. This fundraiser for the Colony High Music Department transforms the Commons into a Speakeasy. It features live music, a swing dance floor, dinner, and a mocktail bar. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show runs until 9 p.m. Ticketing and information are on the Knights Music Boosters Facebook page.
Join the Mat-Su Orchestra aboard The Concert Caboose for a free all ages show at the Glenn Massay Theater at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Donations for the Bright Lights Book Project are welcome. Bring your friends and your family to enjoy the performance and support the joy of reading.
That’s a glance at the opportunities to have some fun this weekend. Have a great day and a better tomorrow.
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This Page Two article was reported by Keith Peticolas and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Thursday April 16, 2026.