Contributed by Randi Bernier
2021’s Friday Fling season is well under way, and as we head into the back nine, the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce would like to take a moment to extend an invitation to check it out for the first time, or come back to see something new in the rotation! Friday Fling has been a welcome return to the warm community spirit that Palmer provides, and that has been evident in the number of smiling faces we see around the market!
Friday Fling is the casual variety day-trip you never knew you needed to help unwind after the work week, and kick off the weekend proper. With a multitude of rotating culinary treats, unique crafts, live music, and Alaskan-grown produce, there’s something for everyone, every week.
We tend to think of the holidays as primetime for the shopping season, but why not plan ahead for once? Strolling through the market, you’ll find a multitude of extraordinary Alaskan-made crafts, which could end up being your next big gifting hit at your next big holiday! And if you’re anything like this author, shopping for someone else usually yields a gift or two for the shopper themselves. These artists have something for every aesthetic choice and every occasion, and every week leads to new discoveries.
This season has proven to be a little mild temperature-wise, but that hasn’t stopped anyone. We see dedicated crowds even on rainy days, and a little blustery Palmer wind certainly hasn’t slowed the number of slushie-seekers and ice cream chompers we’ve seen about.
These colder temps have meant the crops are a bit slow to grace us with their presence, but we anticipate some super succulent cole crops as a result...yum! And for you fans of the finer things out there, peonies are now in bloom, so get them while you can!
If you’re feeling a bit peckish, Fridays are a great time to try out something new. With a smorgasbord of food truck options available week to week, your taste buds will thank you for taking a vacation from that sack lunch in your cubicle. And if you happen to have a day with the kids, the pony wheel is always a crowd favorite!
We thank everyone for a wonderful first half of the summer. We’ve really felt the community spirit flood this community in a way that only Palmer can. We’re looking forward to seeing you the rest of this summer at Friday Fling!
Friday Fling runs until August 20th, 2021 from 11am-6pm. There are two live music sets every Friday from 11:30-1 and 4:30-6.
There is no charge for admission and everyone is welcome.