A More Prepared Mat-Su
Contributed by Debra McGhan
Thanks to the Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services, Alaska Safe Riders, American Red Cross, Local Emergency Planning Committee, AARP Alaska, and the City of Wasilla, the 16th annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo was held at the Menard Sports Center on Saturday, September 28th from 10 am to 3pm and served more than 1,800 individuals. This year’s event featured over 80 exhibitors and provided indoor, outdoor, and classroom presentations with exhibits designed to help residents and visitors prepare for a host of emergencies and disasters.
This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, Alaska Department of Public Safety, Division Alaska State Troopers, the Mat-Valley Federal Credit Union, Alaska Railroad, the American Red Cross, and McDonalds Corporation.
Heather Becker and her family came to the event hoping to get better prepared for all types of situations and walked away the big winners of the day. They attended the ‘Prepared for the Backcountry’ presentation given by Alaska Safe Riders, and two of their children were awarded helmets thanks to Iron Dog Race, the helmet sponsor. Later in the day, she and her husband were drawn as the grand prize winners of this year’s ‘Scavenger Hunt’ sponsored by the Alaska Railroad. They received two round-trip tickets to Fairbanks for the summer of 2025, a $1,100 value.
The event also featured the youth poster contest which received a record number of entries by youth ages 5 to 18 from across the valley. The top poster by People’s Choice Award in five age categories, will receive a three-day emergency backpack for four people from the American Red Cross, a $100 cash gift card thanks to the Mat-Valley Federal Credit Union, and a community service award to be presented by the Mat-Su Borough Mayor and Assembly. Winners will be announced on the Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services website soon.
According to Talon Boeve, Emergency Operations Specialist and chair of the planning committee, the continued success of the expo is because of the wonderful, interactive, and informative displays, and helpful and delicious products showcased thanks to the sponsors and partners. Organizers said they are always looking for new ways to get the word out and appreciate everyone who took the time to share their thoughts, many who expressed how impressed they were with the quality of the exhibits and food and very appreciative of the opportunities this event provides.
If you missed out on this year’s event, mark your calendar for the last Saturday of September, 2025 when the 17th annual Expo plans to return. You can also view photos from past events and see the latest entries in the poster contest at https://ready.matsugov.us/.
Thank you again to everyone who attended, exhibited, sponsored or contributed to this year’s Mat-Su Emergency Expo. Together we are making the Mat-Su Valley a safer, more resilient and prepared community. Learn more at https://alaskasaferiders.org.