It’s official. Fall is here. Summer is gone. That is no reason to sit around and gather dust. Let’s take a look at a few of the events going on in and around the Greater PalmerMetroPlex this weekend.
The Palmer Community Foundation hosts its Annual Community Celebration tonight at the Palmer Depot from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Come join the fun as the Palmer Community Foundation recognizes and celebrates its contributors and supporters. Learn about the foundation, enjoy refreshments, and listen to music by bluegrass band Ruby Rakes.
If you need a live music fix, the Palmer Alehouse welcomes The Vintage Retro to the stage tomorrow night and Fleetwood AK on Saturday night. Both shows are on the lawn and start at 7 p.m. More info is at PalmerAlehouse.com.
And Great Elk from Bethel plays at Hatcher Pass Lodge on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. The cafe is open from noon to 5 p.m. and the bar is open until 7 p.m.
Emergencies can impact us here in the Mat-Su. Learn how to make sure you and your family are prepared and safe at the 2026 Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo. This free, family friendly event features new indoor and outdoor exhibits, live demonstrations, hands on activities, door prizes, food trucks, the earthquake simulator, an escape room, and more. It’s at the Menard Center in Wasilla on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information can be found at ready.matsugov.us.
Author Shiloh Willis signs copies of her latest book on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Fireside Books. The book is titled “Paper Angel and Other Holiday Tales.” Willis spent her formative years in a remote village in the Bristol Bay area. This gives her a unique perspective on life which is evident in her writing. Check goodbooksbadcoffee.com for more information.
Did you miss the fun of Battle of the Books from when you were young? You can participate in The Palmer Arts Council Battle of the Books: Adult Edition! Books for the competition are Fuzz by Mary Roach, Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey, and A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. Teams are three to five people. Register at palmerarts.org/events. The battle is at Lekker Coffeehouse on Saturday at 7 p.m.
And for power hikers, Revel Treks and Tours leads a free, guided hike up Pioneer Peak on Saturday at 10 a.m. Hikers go about 2.5 miles to the first picnic table. That’s a climb of about 2,100 feet. Trekking poles are recommended. The views from the picnic table are awesome on clear days. Now Health sponsors this free community hike. Registration and information are at reveltreksandtours.com under Locals.
So there’s no need to mope about and dream of Summer days, Fall is pretty darn cool for those of us here in the Mat-Su Valley. Have a great day and a better tomorrow.
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Keith Peticolas reported this Page Two article and yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. 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, September 24, 2026.