Summer Visitors Guide 2011

2011

•Must-see for garden lovers •Explore Jim Creek

•Where the moose and reindeer roam •Photographers paradise

•What’s summer without baseball?

Summer Visitors GuideSummer Visitors GuideMat-Su ValleySummer Visitors GuideSummer Visitors GuideSummer Visitors GuideSummer Visitors Guide

2 Mat-Su Valley Summer Visitors Guide 2011 www.frontiersman.com

Mat-Su Valley

VOLUME 63, NUMBER 73

50 CENTS

IndexA section

Pet Tails . . . . . . . . . . A2

Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A5

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . A6

Obituaries . . . . . . . . A8

Police Beat . . . . . . . . A8

Valley Life . . . . . . . A10

B section

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B1

Schools . . . . . . . . . . . .B

2

Comics . . . . . . . . . . . .B

7

Classifieds . . . . . . . . .B8

Post grabs

top honor

Wasilla junior

named player

of year.

SPORTS, B1

Lesson for

businesses

Animals provide

vital service,

education.

PAGE A3

LocalCharter school hosts

film showing.

PAGE A3

Inside

Published for the

Mat-Su Valley

and Megan Metcalf

of Wasilla.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011 | YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1947

Frontiersman on

Facebook!

www.faceboo

k.com/frontier

sman

© Frontiersman 2011

Weather

Bright sunshine.

Full forecast, PAGE A2

HIGH: 30

LOW: 12

BY K.T. MCKEE

Frontiersman

WASILLA – A community sur-

vey on school budget priorities

completed by 474 parents, school

staff, students and others in the

Mat-Su Borough recently reveals

the majority would rather see cuts

in administrative costs than those

affecting classroom instruction

and “specials” such as music, phys-

ical education, and libraries.

Posted on the Mat-Su Borough

School District web site last Thurs-

day, the survey was completed

online and during budget work-

shops by 210 parents, 179 school

staff, 18 students, 14 grandparents,

30 school volunteers and various

others.Participants were asked to

respond to a variety of questions by

indicating whether they “support,”

“don’t support,” or have “no opin-

ion” on the budget item.

The most definitive results

showed that 84 percent wanted

the district to make every effort

to maintain low class size, 83 per-

cent preferred cuts to administra-

tion before regular instruction, 82

percent wanted to keep music as

a separate program at elementary Survey puts teachers first

Community says school

administrators a lower priority

See SURVEY, Page A9

2011 IDITAROD TRAIL SLED DOG RACE

READY, SET, RESTARTROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman

Four-time Iditarod Sled Dog Race champion Lance Mackey signs an autograph for Colleen Wake before the start of Sunday’s race in

Willow.

BY HEATHER A. RESZ

Frontiersman

SKWENTNA — What drives four-time Iditarod

Trail Sled Dog Race champion Lance Mackey and his

dog team?

“I’d rather be on the back of a sled than anywhere

else,” he answered a young fan who asked at the

Skwentna

Checkpoint Sun-

day night.

In the last

decade, Wasilla-

grown Lance

Mackey has

notched an

unequaled list of

wins in sled dog

racing, bested

cancer and a

cocaine addic-

tion, and now rides the runners in search of a fifth

consecutive win in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Lance said he remembers standing at the finish line

at age 7 when his father, Dick Mackey, famously won

the 1978 race by one second.

When Lance’s oldest brother Rick won in 1983, he

Mackey leads early, competitors give chase

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman

Bruce Linton’s dogs move along the trail in Willow during the 2011 Iditarod Trail

Sled Dog Race restart Sunday afternoon.

See RESTART, Page A12

INSIDEThe day in photos: an essay by

photographer Robert DeBerry

from the Iditarod restart in Willow.

VALLEY LIFE, A10

Complete coverage of Sunday’s

official Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

restart. SPORTS, B1

BY ANDREW

WELLNER

Frontiersman

PALMER — What kind

of things do you think city

government should build

in town? The city council

really wants to know.

The city of Palmer is

embarking on a slightly dif-

ferent process this year from

years past to figure out what

projects to seek funding for.

Instead of waiting until the

end to ask for the public’s

input, Palmer will solicit

ideas from its residents at

the start of the process and

then again at the end.

In between, city staff and

elected officials will weigh

in.“Us bureaucrats will have

our say in the process, see-

ing whether something

makes sense or is doable,”

City Manager Doug Grif-

Palmer asks residents

for budget priorities

See PALMER, Page A11BY HOWARD DELO

For the Frontiersman

ANCHORAGE — Salmon runs return-

ing to the Northern District of Cook Inlet

were given a significant boost because

of recent action by the Alaska Board of

Fisheries (BOF) at its Upper Cook Inlet

regulatory meeting.

Two major changes in how salmon

returning to the Northern District are to

be managed were made by the board. The

first involves reinstituting language into

commercial fisheries management plans

that gives priority status to king and coho

salmon in Cook Inlet. These two species

are now to be managed primarily for the

benefit of sport and guided sport anglers.

Fisheries managers will now be required

to manage a commercial fishery to mini-

mize the number of king or coho salmon

caught in commercial nets.

The second change involves restruc-

turing the Central District Drift Gill-

Valley feels impact

of BOF decisions

See BOF, Page A11

Discover local happenings with the

Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, serving the community since 1947. We publish

every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Pick up a copy and see what Valley life is all about!

Want to know the REAL Mat-Su Valley?

www.frontiersman.com Mat-Su Valley Summer Visitors Guide 2011 3

Fine Dining Restaurant • Lounge • Banquet Facilities Open Every Day • Mile 8 S. Knik-Goose Bay Rd.

www.settlersbaylodge.com • 907.357.5678

Breath-taking views andlavish luxury surround you at this romantic getaway!

• Close to 100 Mile Lake• Beautiful log home

• Gourmet Breakfast included• Gourmet Dinner

Reservation required Additional charge applies

[email protected]

Mile 99.5 Glenn Hwy. • Sutton, Alaska • 907.746.0378

Alaska’s LakeLucille

Bed & BreakfastAffordable 1st Class Lakeside Accomodations

Alaska’s LakeLucille

Bed & BreakfastAffordable 1st Class Lakeside Accomodations

1-888-353-0352or

1-907-357-0352

1-888-353-0352or

1-907-357-0352

1 Mile from Main Street WasillaPerfect Base for Alaska TravellersTruly on the way to everything!

www.alaskaslakelucillebnb.comemail: [email protected]

www.alaskaslakelucillebnb.comemail: [email protected]

• New route through beautiful Esther Passage• View sea lion and bird rookeries, sea otters and whales• Most luxurious, high-speed catamaran in Alaska• No seasickness - money-back guarantee • U.S. Forest Service Ranger narration on every cruise• Complimentary hot lunch

Explore the calm waters and wild sights of Prince William Sound.

$139PER PERSON CRUISE ONLY

DEPARTS DAILY FROM WHITTIERPLUS TAXES & FEES

VALID FOR 2011 SEASON

Book and ticket at www.26glaciers.com(800) 544-0529 • (907) 276-8023519 West 4th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501


Kepler Park CampgroundFamily Owned • Drug & Alcohol-free Environment

Open May 1st - Sept. 30th*

• Beautiful Scenery

• Camp & Picnic Sites

• Row Boat, Paddle Boat & Canoe Rentals

• Fishing for Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char & Grayling

• Walk-in access to a chain of eight lakes

Mile 37.4 • Glenn Hwy • Palmer, AK (907) 745-3053www.keplerpark.com • (just past the Parks Hwy junction)

(907) 486-3777

*(weather permitting)

CACHE CAMPERMFG., INC

Custom Built Campers, Canopies & Kennels

Specializing in RV Parts & Repair

907-745-4061 • Fax 746-7254www.cachecamper.com

On Bogard Rd. across from the fire station near Trunk Rd.

Serving Alaska Since 1971

• Hand-Crafted in Alaska• Bui lt to the highest qual ity you won’t f ind anywhere else. The Doctors are In!

All Doctors - All the Time.

Get ready for allergy season. Call for allergy testing schedules.

Louis M. Packer, MD - American Board of Anesthesiology, American Board of Ambulatory CareA full service walk-in clinic

907-373-4200185 E Parks Hwy • Dtwn Wasilla 2 blocks off Main


Attend a Super Bowl game in person, serve a stint in the Peace Corps, fly in an Air Force fighter jet and play ball against a pro are some of the pie-in-the-sky items that make many of our bucket lists. Where travel is concerned, a dream trip to Alaska — The Last Frontier — may also be on that list of things to do before you die.

Well, you made it. You’re in the 49th state, famous for Mount McKinley, the Iditar-od Trail Sled Dog Race, giant king salmon and outdoors experiences like no other

place on Earth. Whether it’s fishing, hunting, hiking or photographing some of North America’s most pris-tine wilderness, the Mat-Su Valley is the doorway to all of

the above.What to do now that you’re

here, allow those who know the area the best to help with a local bucket list — what are some of the not-to-miss

highlights when visiting the Valley.

From fly fishing to the Alaska State Fair, stuff for the kids to midnight golf, the Valley is a great place to explore. Pan for gold at Hatcher Pass or take an exciting rafting ride down a river. You don’t have to sac-rifice the national pastime, either. We have champion-ship-caliber baseball with the Mat-Su Miners, featuring some of professional base-ball’s future stars.

Congratulations on check-ing that trip to Alaska off your bucket list. Now that you’re here, use this Summer Visitors Guide to find those gems locals take their own families.

KICK YOUR BUCKET LISTWhere do you go on a visit to the

Valley? Where the locals go, of course

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photoA butterfly soaks up some sun as it makes its rounds in a field of dandilions on a lazy Sunday afternoon.


WhERE to FiND itINFORMATION & SERVICES

Palmern Cache Camper..............................................................5n UPS Store.....................................................................27

Wasilla n Arctic Baby Bottoms.................................................16n Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau.....................2n Urgent Care .................................................................5.n Wasilla Chamber of Commerce..............................1n Wasilla Lube Express................................................18

Valdezn Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau...................39

ACCOMMODATIONS

Palmern Peak Inn........................................................................1

n Colony Inn....................................................................9n Pioneer Motel.............................................................12n Valley Hotel...................................................................8

Suttonn Matanuska Lodge........................................................3

Wasillan Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast......................3n Alaska’s Select Inn.....................................................16n Grand View Inn...........................................................17n Hillside Cabins............................................................18

Talkeetnan Talkeetna Motel...........................................................4 n Talkeetna Roadhouse...............................................25

Wrangell – St. Elias National Parkn Kennicott Glacier Lodge..........................................29

Healyn Totem Inn....................................................................25

CAMPING & RV PARKS

Palmern Kepler Park Campground........................................37

Wasillan Big Bear Campground..............................................19

ATTRACTIONS / ACTIVITIES

Palmern Fishhook Golf Course..................................................7n Friday Fling.................................................................10 n Mat-Su Miners Baseball..............................................7n Musk Ox Farm.............................................................11n Palmer Gold Course.....................................................7n Palmer Museum of History & Art..............................8n Reindeer Farm............................................................10

Chickaloonn NOVA Glacier Hiking & Whitewater Rafting..........3

Wasillan Knik Museum...............................................................21n Museum of Alaska Transportation & Industry.....20

Talkeetnan Talkeetna Air Taxi......................................................25 Beyond Mat-Sun Alaska Railroad Corp.................................................37n Phillips Cruises & Tours...............................................4n Stan Stephens Wildlife & Glacier Cruises.............39

FISHINGn Valdez Fish Derbies....................................................28

DINING

Big Laken Big Lake Family Restaurant......................................33

Palmern Open Café/Caboose Lounge.................................9n Peking Garden Restaurant.......................................11n Peak-A-Brew Espresso..............................................11n Rusty’s Restaurant.....................................................12n Turkey Red.....................................................................9n Vagabond Blues...........................................................9

Wasillan Mat-Su Family Restaurant........... ...........................18n Mocha Moose Coffee & Roastery...........................19n Settlers Bay Lodge.......................................................4n Last Frontier Brewery ...............................................19 Around the Valleyn Houston Lodge Restaurant.....................................38n Big Lake Family Restaurant....................................22

CHURCHES

Palmern Farm Loop Christian Center....................................32n Manna Independent Baptist Church....................32n St. Michael’s Catholic Church.................................33

Wasillan Fairview Loop Baptist Church...................................3n Grace Presbyterian Church.....................................32n Sacred Heart Catholic Church................................32n Pilgrims Baptist Church...........................................32 Big Laken Big Lake Baptist..........................................................33

SHOPPING

Palmern Fantastic Fibers............................................................9n Vagabond Blues...........................................................9n The Gallery.....................................................................8n Shane Lamb Studios..................................................10n Stamp Cache.................................................................8n Just Sew .........................................................................9

Wasillan Ak Wildberry Products................................................3n Aurora Bead and Craft..............................................37n Gold Rush Jewelers....................................................17n Knik Knack Mud Shack.............................................20n Town Square Art Gallery.............................................3n Sylvia’s Quilt Depot...................................................15n Sportsman’s Warehouse..........................................40n Younique Boutique...................................................13

Index of Advertisersn

Photo Credit: Matthew Powell

Palmer Golf Course Voted Best in the Valley!

An 18-hole Championship Course with unparalleled views of Knik Glacier and Pioneer Peak

•Driving Range • Lessons • Rentals • Pro Shop•1000 Lepak Avenue • Palmer (on Outer Springer Loop)

(907) 745-4653 www.palmergolfcourse.com


BY THE NUMBERSn Total Population: 5,937n Total area 3.8 square milesn That population represents more than 31 percent growth for Palmer compared to its official 2000 Census count of 4,533.n The Palmer area was first inhabited by the Dena’ina and Ahtna Athabascans who lived subsistence lifestyle.n George W. Palmer built his trading post in the 1880s along the Matanuska River near the site of the town that now bears his name.n Palmer’s main influx of new residents came in 1935 during the Great Depres-sion as part of the Matanuska Colony project.

Sources: City of Palmer; 2010 U.S. Census.

PALmER

1◆

See page 36 for a map showing Palmer in relation to other areas in the Mat-Su.

ON THE INTERNETn City of Palmer: cityofpalmer.org

n Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce: palmerchamber.orgn Alaska State Fair: alaskastatefair.org

n Williams Reindeer Farm: reindeerfarm.comn Musk Ox Farm: muskoxfarm.org

THINGS TO DOn Alaska State Fairn Friday Flingsn Williams Reindeer Farmn Musk Ox Farmn Knik Glacier tours


Palmer is one of the few Alaska towns with a beautiful downtown district, filled with a rich history, and surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Downtown has ample parking space and is easy to explore on foot with wide sidewalks lining the streets. You will find an ever-growing and interesting mix of shops offering unique Alaskan made arts and crafts, antiques, Alaskan delicacies, quilts, and so much more.

Palmer’s Visitor Center and Museum of History & Arts are also located downtown.

Relax and refuel at one of the several cafes and restaurants lining the downtown streets.

Every Friday, from May through August, Palmer’s weekly market, Friday Fling, offers locally grown produce, Alaskan arts and crafts as well as live entertainment. The market is located on the green across from the visitors center.

DISCOVER DOWNTOWN PALMER!

Established and Maintained By The City of Palmer since 1967

Visit us at the log cabin nestled in two acres of gardenright in Downtown Palmer for local history and visitor information!Open Every Day 9am-6pm • May 1 to September 31723 South Valley Way • Palmer, Alaska 99645 • 907-745-8878 • Fax 907-745-7882

www.palmermuseum.org

& VISITOR CENTER

642 S. Alaska St. (Koslosky Center)T-F •11- 6 • Sat 10- 5

stampcachealaska.com

(907) 745-4848

10% off with this ad !

Create Alaskan Memories !Everything for your card stamping & scrapbooking needs

Shop our Alaskan section!

Offer Expires 12/31/11

•“Great Impressions” - Stamp of the month vendor• Memory Box • Stampscapes • Card Stock • Ink

• Copic & Tombo Markers • Embellishments • Classes

GalleryThe

Regional & National Artists

Prints & Originals

Alaskan Gifts

Daniel Smith “Riverbank Refl ections”

Serving Alaska since 1985Gift Certifi cates & Shipping Available

1150 S. Colony Way, Key Bank Plaza, Palmer, AK 99645M-F 10-6 • Sat. 10-5 • Sun. 11-4

www.galleryak.com • email: [email protected] Credit Card Available - 0 Down O.A.C.

907-745-1420

Gifts & Collectiblesas unique as Alaska!

• Big Sky Home Accents • Wood Carvings• Bronze Sculptures


Hearty & Wholesome Foods served in a lively

and comfortable atmosphere.

Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerStone Hearth Oven Breads • PizzaFresh Pastries • Espresso & Teas

907-746-5544Dtwn Palmer Plaza550 S. Alaska St.

Cafe • BakeryBeer & Wine

www.turkeyredak.com

Cafe • Bakery

Open Mon-Sat 7am-9pmClosed Sunday

Banquet/Meeting Room Available

• Large Selection of Quality Cott on Fabrics• Current Books, Notions & Supplies• Patt erns by Alaskan Artists• Quilting Classes

579 S. Alaska St. • Palmer907-745-3649 • [email protected]

642 S. Alaska St.Downtown Palmer

Open M-Sat 6am-8pmSun 7am-6pm

907-745-CAFE(745-2233)

Local Artwork on DisplayHomemade Soups

Quiche • Wraps • PaninisFresh Green Salads • Sandwiches

Baked Goods - gluten free and Vegan options

Espresso • SmoothiesSqueezed Juice • Wi-Fi Internet

Local Artwork on DisplayLocal Artwork on Display

fi [email protected]

Tue-Sat • 11-61035 S. Cobb St

Palmer

(907) 745-7295

All kinds of yarns - wool, alpaca, silk, bamboo, cotton, blends and much more!

Necessities and Accessoriesfor the fi ber enthusiast.Great selection of fi ber books,

patterns, magazines,Qiviut and Alaskan Fibers.

(907) 745-7295

Tue-Sat • 11-6Tue-Sat • 11-6

Valley HotelThe Historic

Clean & Comfortable Roomsat Affordable Rates

CABOOSELOUNGE

Long-time localfavorite for greatfood and drinks!Full Menu Service

Open at 9am Daily

IronhorseLiquor Store

OPEN21 Hours • 8am-5am

The only locally owned &operated liquor store in Palmer!

Entertainment, Good Food, and Relaxation...all in Downtown Palmer! • 606 S. Alaska St.

• valleyhotelalaska.com • (907) 745-3330

Downtown Palmer

OPEN 24 Hour CAFE24/7We’re

Smoke Free!

Gourmet Pizza and Full Menu • Full Service and Take Out

Includingall holidays

Colony InnHistoric

Matanuska ColonyTeacher’s Dorm

325 E. Elmwood, Palmer, AK

For Reservations call: (907) 745-3330Intra-Alaska: 1-800-478-ROOM

Register at front desk VALLEY HOTEL, 606 S. Alaska St.The Colony Inn is a non-smoking facility


ANDREW WELLNER

PALMER — As tourist attractions go, Alaska’s big, mighty animals have to be at the top of the list.

But these animals are pref-erably kept at a safe distance, viewed through zoom lenses and binoculars. For up close and personal encounters with uniquely Alaska animals, you’ve got to head to a farm — the Reindeer Farm or the Musk Ox Farm, to be exact.

The Musk Ox Farm is part of an effort that began in the 1940s and ’50s as an effort to domesticate the big, furry beasts.

“He wanted to take an ani-

mal that was appropriately adapted to the north and try to create an agricultural opportu-nity there,” the farm’s execu-tive director, Mark Austin, said of anthropologist John Teal.

The idea is to harvest the fur of the Musk Ox, spin it into yarn and knit it into clothing. Austin said that the domes-tication campaign is far from complete, which is why visi-tors don’t get in the pens with them. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t friendly musk oxen in the herd.

“A lot of the animals, cer-tainly some of the younger ones, are very happy to hang out by the fence,” Austin said.

The farm runs tours every day during the summer, start-ing every 45 minutes. Visitors will learn about the project,

MAY 13 through AUGUST 19EVERY FRIDAY • 11 - 6

Local Arts & CraftsAlaska Grown

Produce & Plants

Live Music &Entertainment

Downtown across fromPalmer Visitors Center

Call 761-3500 for more informationwww.palmerchamber.org

Spectacular Mountainviews surround you as you

visit our reindeer, elk,moose and black-tail deer.A Lifetime Experience!

Daily Tours 10-6May 1 to mid-September

Fee Charged

REINDEERFARM

745-4000 XOld Glenn Hwy. Knik River

To WasillaParks Hwy.

Palmer

FlashingLight

KIM’S SCENIC TOURSHorseback Trail Rides

With Experienced Guides

Located at the Reindeer FarmCall 354-4003

Call for reservations!

To Anchorage

Reindeer Farm

Spectacular Mountainviews surround you as youhand-feed, take pictures,

and pet the reindeer.Visit our elk, moose,

and bison.A Lifetime Experience!

Daily Tours 10-6May 1 to mid-September

Fee Charged Off hours by appt. X

Old Glenn Hwy. Knik River

To Wasilla Glenn Hwy

Parks Hwy.

Palmer

FlashingLight

REINDEER FARM(907) 745-4000

South of Palmer, at the Butte5561 S. Bodenburg Loop

To Anchorage

Reindeer Farm Off hours by appt. Off hours by appt. Off hours by appt.

Horseback Trail RidesLocated at the Reindeer Farm

Call for reservations!

REINDEER FARMn Location: Bodenburg Loop — turn at the flashing yellow light on the Old Glenn Highway at Mile 11.5.n Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summern Admission: $5 for children, $7 for adultsn Contact: online at reindeerfarm.com or on the phone at (907) 745-4000

MUSK OX FARMn Location: Glenn Highway, just north of Palmer (look for the blue road sign)n Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer. Last tour leaves at 5 p.m. n Contact: online at muskoxfarm.org or on the phone at (907) 745-4151.

AnImAL mAgnETISmmusk ox, reindeer

farms popular family attractions

See ANIMAL, Page 11


PEKING GARDENChinese Restaurant

THE PEAK INN MOTELw w w. p e a k i n n a l a s k a . c o m

21 comfortable, clean rooms• Private Bath • Cable TV • Fridge

• Free Continental Breakfast• Conveniently located near downtown Palmer

775 W. Evergreen, Palmer

(907) 746-5757located next to Carrs

Serving Lunch & Dinner 11 am to 10 pm

NEW!

in front of Peking Garden Restaurant

• Hot & Cold Espresso Drinks & Teas

• Smoothies • Sodas• Bagels • Muffins

907- 746-8060

Voted Best Oriental Food inthe Mat-Su Valley!

about musk oxen and about the Matanuska Col-ony Project that brought Midwestern farmers to Palmer during the Great Depression.

If viewing animals through a fence isn’t quite good enough, head to the Reindeer Farm. In the shadow of Bodenburg Butte, the farm opens up its pens to visitors, who can mingle with the reindeer, pet them and feed them.

The reindeer are friend-ly, but pretty insistent when it comes to food. Holding cups of pellets at about shoulder height is advisable. In addition to reindeer, the farm houses elk, bison and a moose, though you can’t get in the pen with any of those creatures.

REINDEER FACTSn In the U.S. and Canada, reindeer is a term used for domesticated caribou.n Europeans don’t make the distinction and call wild and domestic animals reindeer.n Reindeer live in cold tundra and northern forests in places like Alaska, Iceland and Scandanavian The largest population of reindeer is in Russia’s Siberia region. n Reindeer lose their antlers each year.n Alaska has 900,000 wild caribou.n Alaskan hunters shoot 22,000 caribou each year for food.

Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

animalContinued from Page 10

n Musk oxen live in the far north in areas like Alaska, Greenland, Canada and Siberia.n Musk ox fossils from the last Ice Age have been found as far south as France and Ohio. n The largest population of musk oxen is in Canada’s Northwest Territory.

n Musk oxen died out in Alaska by the late 1800sn Musk oxen from Greenland were brought in the 1930s. n Musk oxen have no musk glands and are not techni-cally oxen. Their closest relatives are goats and sheep.

Source: Musk Ox Farm website, muskoxfarm.org.

MUSK OX FACTS

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photoMichigan resident Carol Bonner holds food in her hand for Rudolph the reindeer during tour at the Reindeer Farm in the Butte.


PALMER — Alaska may not be home to a Major League Baseball franchise, but every summer the future MLB stars tour the 49th state as players in the Alaska Baseball League. And one of the most promi-nent teams in the famed ABL is right here in the Mat-Su Valley.

The Mat-Su Miners’ green and gold serves as the sum-mer colors from some of the top talents in college baseball. Blue chip prospects and future Major Leagues spend two months in the Valley honing their skills, competing in the summer amateur collegiate developmental baseball league. Many former Miners have used their time in the Valley to

help catapult them into profes-sional baseball. Craig Coun-cell, named the 2001 National League MVP during his time with the Arizona Diamond-backs, is among the most nota-ble former Miners still playing in the big leagues. Boston’s Jed Lowrie, Arizona’s John Hester and Daniel Stange, and Toronto’s Marc Rzepczysnki are among the young Major Leaguers who have played at Hermon Brothers Field within the last decade. Dozens of former Miners are currently playing baseball in the minor leagues too.

The Miners are a champion-ship club, winning back-to-

Pioneer Motel & Apartments

Enjoy Your StayTaste Alaska Grown Vegetables and Raspberries

Pets allowed on approval

Conveniently located at:

124 W. Arctic(Near Gas and Fine Dining)

:EmailWeb:

[email protected]

Best Rates in Town!Best Rates in Town!• •28 UNITS CABLE TV Wi-Fi KITCHENETTES

(907) 745-3425Fax: 907-746-0777

28 UNITS CABLE TV Wi-Fi KITCHENETTES•

Located in the historic Dahlia Street Market Building320 E. Dahlia Ave. • Palmer

Open Tues - Sat • 11-9(907) 746-3883

Rustysatdahliastreet.com

Amazing Food!Spectacular Views of Pioneer Peak!

A local

favorite!

PLAY BALL!mat-Su miners prepare for

another championship season

See MINERS, Page 13

The Mat-Su Miners stand

with their hats off during the singing of the

national anthem at the 2009

home opener at Hermon

Brothers Field in Palmer.

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photo

2011 HOME GAMESJune 8 Pilots NL 7PMJune 9 Pilots NL 7PMJune 12 Lake Erie Monarchs NL 4PMJune 14 AIA Fire 7PMJune 15 AIA Fire 7PMJune 16 AIA Fire @ Hermon Brother’s Field 7pmJune 21 Pilots 7PM June 23 Pilots 7PM June 24 Pilots 7PM June 25 Pilots 7PM June 28 Oilers 7PMJune 29 Oilers 7PMJune 30 Oilers 7PMJuly 3 AIA Fire @ Hermon Brother’s Field 2pmJuly 4 AIA Fire @ Hermon Brother’s Field 4pm Doubleheader July 5 AIA Fire @ Hermon Brother’s Field 7pmJuly 8 AIA Fire 7PMJuly 18 Bucs 6PMJuly 22 AIA Fire 6PMJuly 23 Bucs 6PMJuly 24 Oilers 6PMJuly 25 Bucs 6PMJuly 26 Oilers 6PMJuly 29 Bucs 6PMJuly 31 Bucs 2PM

MAT-SU MINERSALASKA BASKETBALL

2011 HOME GAMES

ALASKA BASKETBALLTWO TIME NBC WORLD

SERIES CHAMPIONS

Hermon Bros. Field just south of Palmer on the Glenn Hwy. Turn into the State Fair main parking lot and go to the far end.

Enjoy Alaska’s awesome scenery while you and your family watch the game!

For more info call 745-6401 or go to www.matsuminers.org


322 N Main St. • Wasilla 373-6040

Beautiful Finds at Great SavingsClothing Sizes 0-20 • Shoes • Handbags

Jewelry • Scarves • Formal Wear & AccessoriesBring in seasonal clothes, shoes & accessories & receive 50% when items sell.

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20011 MAT-SU MINERS n June 7 at Glacier Pilots (exhib), 7 p.m.n June 8 vs. Glacier Pilots (exhib), 7 p.m.n June 9 vs. Glacier Pilots (exhib), 7 p.m.n June 10 at Glacier Pilots (exhib), 7 p.m.n June 11 at Glacier Pilots (exhib), 6 p.m.n June 12 vs. Lake Erie (Mich.), 4 p.m.n June 14 vs. AIA Fire, 7 p.m.n June 15 vs. AIA Fire, 7 p.m.n June 16 vs. AIA Fire, 7 p.m.n June 17 at Anchorage Bucs, 7 p.m.n June 18 at Glacier Pilots, 10 p.m.n June 21 vs. Glacier Pilots, 7 p.m.n June 23 vs. Glacier Pilots, 7 p.m.n June 24 vs. Glacier Pilots, 7 p.m.n June 25 vs. Glacier Pilots, 7 p.m.n June 28 vs. Peninsula Oilers, 7 p.m.n June 29 vs. Peninsula Oilers, 7 p.m.n June 30 vs. Peninsula Oilers, 7 p.m.n July 1 at Anchorage Glacier Pilots, 7 p.m.n July 2 at Anchorage Glacier Pilots, 7 p.m.n July 3 vs. AIA Fire, 2 p.m.n July 4 vs. AIA Fire, 4 p.m. (DH)n July 5 vs. AIA Fire, 7 p.m.n July 8 vs. AIA Fire, 7 p.m.n July 9 at Peninsula Oilers, 7 p.m.n July 10 at Peninsula Oilers, 1 p.m.n July 11 at Peninsula Oilers, 7 p.m.n July 12 at Peninsula Oilers, 7 p.m.n July 15 at Anchorage Glacier Pilots, 7 p.m.n July 16 at Anchorage Glacier Pilots, 7 p.m.n July 19 vs. Anchorage Bucs, 6 p.m.n July 21 at Anchorage Glacier Pilots, 7 p.m.n July 22 vs. AIA Fire, 6 p.m.n July 23 vs. Anchorage Bucs, 6 p.m.n July 24 vs. Peninsula Oilers, 6 p.m.n July 25 vs. Anchorage Bucs, 6 p.m.n July 26 vs. Peninsula Oilers, 6 p.m.n July 28 at Anchorage Bucs, 7 p.m.July 29 vs. Anchorage Bucs, 6 p.m.July 30 at Anchorage Bucs, 7 p.m.July 31 vs. Anchorage Bucs, 2 p.m.

back titles in 2009 and 2010. Mat-Su has captured the ABL crown four times since 2004 and has the most wins in the six-team league during the last

seven seasons. The 2011 roster is expected

to include talent hailing from programs such as Oklahoma and San Diego State.

The Miners are slated to play a 43-game schedule in 2011, with about half of those games at the team’s home park, pic-

turesque Hermon Brothers Field. The Miners also par-ticipate in the three-day ABL MLB Showcase July 15-17 at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchor-age.

More information about the Mat-Su Miners can be found at matsuminers.org.

minersContinued from Page 12

Mat-Su Miners second baseman Chad Marshall misses a tag on Athletes in Action Fire player Scott Urbanek during a 2009 game at Hermon Brothers Field in Palmer.



THINGS TO DOn Sportfishingn Raftingn Alpine Historical Museumn King Mountain State Recreation Siten Hiking

BY THE NUMBERSn Total Population: 1,447n Total area 151 square miles, which puts the area’s population at about 9.5 people per acre.n That population represents nearly 34 percent growth for the Sutton area compared to its official 2000 Census count of 1,080.n Located about 11 miles north of Palmer on the Glenn Highway, Sutton was founded in 1918 as a station along the Alaska Railroad. Its main industry was coal.n Sutton’s first U.S. Post Office was opened in 1948.

Sources: explorenorth.com; 2010 U.S. Census; Alaska Department of Commerce

SUttoN2

◆

BY THE NUMBERSn Total Population: 272n Total area 80 square milesn That population represents more than 21 percent growth compared to a Census count of 213 in 2000.n The Chickaloon area was originally a trade hub for copper, sheep, goats, beluga, salmon and fur seals.n The Chickaloon River was named for Chief Chiklu, the last Dena’ina chief in the area. Prior to present day, Chickaloon Village was a fishing camp.n In 1888, an Army expedition discovered coal near the mouth of the river. n Chickaloon Native Village is a federally recognized tribe.

Sources: explorenorth.com; 2010 U.S. Census; Alaska Department of Commerce

ChiCkALooN

3◆

See page 36 for a map showing Sutton and Chickaloon in relation to other areas in the Mat-Su.

ON THE INTERNETn Chickaloon Native Village: chickaloon.org


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Stay, Play, Explore...Make Wasilla your “Stayground” • Fourth of July Celebration with community picnic for the whole valley! • Last Golf Ball of the Season • New Year’s Eve Festival on Lake Wasilla • Family & Friends Fun for All in Wasillawww.visitwasilla.org • (907) 376-1299 • 415 E. Railroad Ave

BY THE NUMBERSn Total Population: 7,831n Total area 12.4 square milesn Fourth largest city in Alaskan Takes its name from Chief Wasilla, a Dena’ina Athabascan chief.n Wasilla grew out of the early set-tlement of Knik, which was the sup-ply headquarters for the area. The Alaska Railroad bypassed Knik, and businesses relocated near the rail-road crossing in Wasilla, which by 1917 had overtaken Knik.n Wasilla incorporated as a munici-pality in 1973.

4◆

See page 36 for a map showing Wasilla in relation to other areas in the Mat-Su.

Sources: City of Wasilla; 2010 U.S. Census.

ON THE INTERNETn City of Wasilla: cityofwasilla.comn Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau: alaskavisit.com.n Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters: iditarod.com.n Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry: museumofalaska.orgn Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce: wasillachamber.org

WASiLLA


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ANDREW WELLNER

WASILLA — We’ve all been there. It’s day three of the vacation and the kids are getting restless. They need to blow off some steam but you don’t have time for a full-on day trip. Where do you go?

Kristy Simpson and her husband Steven say you can join them at their business on Bogard Road. Bouncing Bears has been a popular spot for the elementary-school-age set since 2007.

“We moved up here about four years ago and we needed a place for our kids to go,” Kristy Simpson said.

So they built one. Bouncing

Bears is an indoor playground with inflatable toys for kids to jump and play on. It’s not an original idea, as similar fun-houses can be found all over the Lower 48. But apparently the business filled a need here.

“We opened up very small and it just kind of grew,” she said.

Since then the company has expanded, opening stores in Anchorage and in Houston, Texas. Parents seem to need a place like Bouncing Bears in the long, cold winters.

“Summer is our slower time. We actually cut our hours a bit,” Simpson said.

Bouncing Bears rents out the store for birthday parties and slumber parties. At those special events kids can break out the Nerf guns as they bounce. Bouncing Bears is not set up for drop-offs, though,

so parents need to come with their kids. Once they’re there, they can join in the fun and bounce along with their kids.

“It’s sort of an indoor inflat-able playground,” Simpson said.

Speaking of playgrounds, if

indoor fun isn’t your bag, the Valley’s got you more than covered. A trip to downtown Wasilla’s Iditapark at pretty much any time of the day dur-ing the summer will confirm

CHILD’S PLAYParents have plenty of Valley options for entertaining the kids

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photoCousins Ryder Donnally and Hayden Lockett devour cotton candy while at Iditapark in Wasilla.

See PLAY, Page 17


its popularity. The playground is massive

with bridges and cupolas, slides and swings and neat little touches like bells kids can strike to make music and phones they can yell into to speak with friends in other

parts of the park. Iditapark also has basketball

and tennis courts, pavilions, a windy bike trail perfect for kids on scooters, and a skateboard park for the older crowd.

Palmer has a smaller version of the playground — dubbed the A-Moose-Ment Park— in its downtown. While Idi-tapark is the preferred spot

for most Valley kids and their parents, A-Moose-Ment has one thing Iditapark lacks that parents will appreciate — shade trees. Palmer also has its own skateboard park, but it’s on the other side of town from the playground.

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PLAYGROUND DO’S AND DON’TS(From a 9-year-old Iditapark Park veteran and reporter Andrew Wellner’s son, Gabe Fish)n Don’t cuss.n Do laugh.n Don’t call names.n Do remember where you left your toys.n Don’t cough on your friends. n Don’t brag if you win a game. n Do cheer on your friends. n Do try the wobbly platform toy. n Don’t hog the swings. n Do tell your parents if someone’s being mean.n Do ask before running off to play.

KID’S STUFF AT A GLANCEn A-Moose-Ment Park: 420 W. Fern Ave., behind the Moose Lodge just west of Alaska Street. The park offers a playground, benches and a picnic pavilion. n Bouncing Bears: On Bogard Road between Crusey Street and Seward-Meridian Parkway, 2951 E. Bogard Road. It’s an indoor inflatable playground, offering 2,500 square feet of fun. Admission buys two hours of jumping and is on a sliding scale from $4 for very young kids up to $15 for teens over 15.n Iditapark Park: Located a block north of the Parks Highway off Nelson Road, Wasair Drive to the west and Lucille Street to the east. The park offers a gigantic playground, picnic pavilions, bathrooms, basketball and tennis courts and a skateboard park. n Palmer Skateboard Park: Located at the corner of Old Glenn Highway and South Valley Way at 231 East Arctic Ave. The park is smaller than Wasilla’s, but still draws a crowd.

playContinued from Page 16

Elyah Lye, 5, gets a push

from her grandmother,

Sandy Yehle at Wasilla

Creek, a popular

place for kids and families

to beat the summer heat

in the Valley’s core area.

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file

photo


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Mat-Su Family RestaurantMat-Su Family RestaurantCome Join Us For

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k.t. mckEE

MAT-SU — Thar’s gold in them thar hills — just be sure you follow state and local guidelines before searching for it in the Matanuska-Susitna valleys this sum-mer.

Although there aren’t any major gold mining operations in the Valley these days, locals and visitors can do a little prospecting up at Hatcher Pass

Public Use Area and at the Inde-pendence Mine State Historical Park within the pass, according to Mat-Su Parks Superintendent

Wayne Biessel.Located between Wasilla and

Willow on a 49-mile winding, sce-nic roadway off the Parks Highway,

Hatcher Pass carries a long mining his-tory dating back to 1906 when Robert Lee Hatcher staked the first lode gold claim in the Willow Creek Valley.

Later, the Alaska-Pacific Consoli-

dated Mining Co. ran a block of 83 mining claims on more than 1,300 acres there, producing more than 34,000 ounces of gold worth more than $1 million at its peak in 1941.

What’s left of the site is now known as Independence Mine, which opens around the third week of June for tours and light gold panning in its creeks and scattered piles of mining waste, Biessel said.

“The entire Hatcher Pass area is open to recreational gold panning,” Biessel said. “You can bring a small suction dredge for the Little Susitna River, but there are size limita-tions.”

According to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Mining, Land, and Water fact sheet on the Hatcher Pass Public Use Area, you can mine recreationally anywhere within the boundaries of the Public Use Area except for several active mining claims.

gOLDEn RULESPanning a favorite pastime for visitors

See GOLD, Page 19


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Wal

-Mar

t

Trun

k Rd

.

Palm

er

to WasillaParks Hwy.

Fireweed Rd.

Chur

ch S

t.

Glen

n Hw

y.

Several vehicle pull-offs along the road next to the Little Susitna River allow for easy river access. The department recommends using the Gold Mint Trail, which runs north along the Little Su from the gravel parking lot at the Gold Mint Trailhead.

The trail continues north for about eight miles, where you can use “light portable field equipment, such as a hand-operated pick, shovel and pan. You may also use a suction dredge with a nozzle intake of six inches or less, powered by an engine of 18 horsepower,” the guidelines specify.

Since the Little Su River is deemed important for spawning and migration of anadromous fish, you will need a dredging permit from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Habitat if you use a suction

dredge in that river. If you’d rather just stick to

a little light panning or kick-ing the waste rock piles at Independence Mine, Biessel said many visitors borrow a gold pan from the facility to

try their luck in area creeks.“Gold ore does get mis-

placed in those piles from time to time,” Biessel said. “They just can’t use a dredge or metal detector in the his-torical park.”

OTHER THINGS TO DO AT HATCHER PASSn Hikingn Touring Independence Mine, starting with the Mine Manager’s House.n Picnickingn Berry pickingn Photographyn Campingn Fishing (with license)n Hunting (with proper permit and in season)

BASIC RULESn Do not remove historical artifacts.n Check road conditions before attempting to drive Hatcher Pass between Sept. 15 and May 30.n Pets must be kept on a leash near developed facilities. Please remember that pets can be annoying to others and harass wildlife.n Do not feed the wildlife. It is unhealthy for them and feeding ground squirrels can lead to serious bites.n Discharge of all weapons is prohib-ited at Independence Mine State Historical Park.n Private property adjoins the park. Please respect private property and historical structures.

GOlDContinued from Page 18

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photoWasilla resident Nathan VanPelt and wife Jennifer dredge for gold in the Little-Su River near Hatcher Pass.


Alaskavisit.com

Fishing is one of the most popular summer pastimes in Alaska and the Mat-Su.

Following is a breakdown of fishing information to make your summer vacation easier, courtesy of the Mat-Su Con-vention and Visitors Bureau. For more fishing information, visit the CVB online at alaska-visit.com.visitors/the-great-outdoors/fishing.

Cast a line in the Mat-Su Val-ley for an Alaska fishing experi-ence of a lifetime. Anglers are lured to the Mat-Su’s remote river valleys, secluded moun-tain lakes, bountiful natural lakes and freshwater streams containing a cornucopia of wild king salmon, silver salmon, lake trout, champion rainbow trout, dolly varden, Arctic grayling, Arctic char, northern pike and more. Fish on your own, stay at an Alaska fishing lodge, or use an Alaska fishing charter to catch your dream fish.

Experienced Alaska fishing guides, custom fly-in fishing charters and world-class Alaska fishing lodges provide expert guide service to avid fly fishing enthusiasts, causal bank-side anglers and first-timers alike. Type “fishing” into the CVB Member Business Search for Alaska fishing charters, guides,

fishing lodges, lakeside inns or B&Bs.

For visitors in pursuit of their own Alaska fishing bliss, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingSport.main) is an invaluable resource.

FLY FISHING

Fly fishing in Alaska for salmon and trout is exactly how you’ve dreamt it is, especially in the peaceful, pristine Mat-Su Valley. Travel in comfort by jet boat or small airplane to a remote destination for wade-in fishing. Experienced fly fishing guides cater to both beginner and skilled fly fisherman.

CHARTERS

Alaska fishing guides know the best spots to fish in Mat-Su Valley lakes and streams. They have a thorough knowledge

of local regulations and will help you have a successful and productive Alaska fishing trip. They also provide gear, tackle and bait.

HOT SPOTS

Alaska sportfishing rivers in the Mat-Su Valley include the Deshka River, Willow Creek, Susitna River tributaries, Little Susitna River, Montana Creek, Talkeenta River, Yentna River and more. The ADF&G also produces an Alaska Fishing Lake Map with fishing infor-mation and regulations for more than 80 Mat-Su Valley lakes in the areas of Talkeetna, Willow and Nancy Lake, Big Lake, Point Mackenzie, Palmer-Wasilla, and the Glenn High-way. You can download the map at the CVB’s website listed above.

Alaska fly-in fishing lodges and resorts located near remote wilderness streams teeming wild Alaska salmon and trout are easily accessible from the Mat-Su Valley.

You can also fish road-acces-sible fishing hot spots along Parks Highway streams includ-ing Willow Creek, Little Willow Creek, Montana Creek and Little Susitna River.

Remember, you have to have a fishing license for most sportfishing in Alaska. To learn about obtaining an Alaska fishing license or permit, visit adfg.alaska.gov/index.

May 1thru Sept. 3010 am - 5 pm Daily

Admission Charge

3800 W. Museum Dr.Mile Marker 47 Parks Hwy

• Wasilla •

Mile 47 Parks Hwy

Wasilla Airport

Wasilla

Museum

For more information call (907) 376-1211

Largest Ceramic

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Closed Fridays

Homestead MuseumBud Longenecker

& [email protected]

907.376.5793 Tel907.357.1139 Fax

P.O. Box 877550Wasilla, AK 99687

Knik KnackMud Shack

Gift ShopFeaturing

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Mile 8.4

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Carm

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CAST OF THOUSAnDSFishing one of

Valley’s top draws

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photoFishermen and women gather along the bank of the Knik River at Eklutna Tailrace.


2011 Museum Outdoor Events

K. Love

June 4 - National Trails Day Observed • Knik Museum Open House: 1-6pm

• 1-5pm Come share Potluck Picnic, “Rain or Shine!”with Wasilla-Knik Historical Society members

July 17 - Museum’s 28th Annual Picnic

A museum in a restored 1910 building, exhibitsKnik’s Gold Rush Era, 1897-1917; Portrait Galleries,Sleds, Iditarod Sled Dog Race early history.Admission: Adults $5, Seniors & kids under 18 - $2, Family $10

376-7755

KnikMuseumMushers’Hall of Fame

�ursday - Sunday 1-6pmSummer Season June 2 - August 28

Mile 13.9 Knik-Goosebay Road

Trail and

Andrew Wellner

MAT-SU – There’s a lot of history down Knik-Goose Bay Road between Knik Lake and the Knik Arm where the Knik townsite once stood.

Two buildings – a cabin and former roadhouse, now a museum – are still standing.

Knik was first inhabited by Native Alaskans and was trans-formed from a loose collection of villages to a community in

the late 1800s as the Alaska Gold Rush brought miners, pioneers and homesteaders into the area south of Wasilla. With the construction of the Old Glenn Highway in the 1940s the town of Knik grew with the expan-sion of local towns Palmer and Wasilla. Today the region is popular for its location on Knik Lake and proximity to the Cook Inlet. It is also the site of the construction of new state prison and the Port of Alaska.

Gold was the city’s main focus. The shear amount of the metal coming through was often staggering.

In 1915, with talk of a railroad line to the area in the air, O.G. Herning and a group of Knik business-men went to Juneau to lobby for the line to go through Knik But the railroad went through Wasilla drawing in most of the trade in gold and most of Knik’s residents.

One of the last shipments of gold to Knik is recorded in Herning’s diary on Dec. 31, 1916.

“The Iditarod Gold Team came in to Knik with 3’400 pounds of gold hauled by 46 dogs,” Herning wrote.

For now, though, anybody looking for a taste of Knik his-tory can stop by that old road-house and tour the Knik Muse-um at mile 13.9 Knik Road.

ALIVE AnD KnIKIng

See page 36 for a map showing Knik in relation to other areas in the Mat-Su.

5◆

kNikBY THE NUMBERSn Total Population: 14,923.n Total area 70 square miles.n That population repre-sents more than 111 percent growth compared to a Census count of 7,050 in 2000.n Knik Glacier was in Star Trek VI, where it played the role of the icy planet housing a Klin-gon gulag.n Like many Alaska glaciers, there are no roads to the Knik Glacier.n The glacier averages 25

miles long and 5 miles wide. n The Knik River is 25 miles long and runs from the glacier to Cook Inlet.n Two road bridges cross the river, those of the Glenn High-way and Old Glenn Highway.n Knik was first inhabited by Native Alaskans and trans-formed from a loose collec-tion of villages to a commu-nity in the late 1880s as the Alaska Gold Rush brought miners and prospectors.

THINGS TO DOn Summer dog sled ridesn Fishingn Historical museum

ON THE INTERNETn Website dedicated to Knik history: knik.org


jEREmiAh bARtz

MAT-SU — Race fans can hit the tracks across the coun-try. But a trio of Valley race-ways offer fans, and drivers, something different — a ring of beautiful mountain ranges as a backdrop.

North Star Speedway, Alaska Raceway Park and Capitol Speedway each give Valley residents and tourists a unique experience each time the cars hit the tracks. There’s the intense action of the car racing and the picturesque Mat-Su Valley scenery.

The combination can prom-ise a beautiful afternoon or evening packed with excite-ment.

•NorthStar Speedway — located at 2151 Jensen Road near the Trunk Road exit off the Parks Highway — is home of the Valley’s paved oval race track. With a grandstand that seats more than 3,000, a full-service kitchen and beer gar-den, North Star attracts a flood of race fans each week during its Saturday Night Thunder series.

Drivers range in experience in a variety of divisions. There are the teenagers running the bandoleros and the seasoned veterans of the legends class. See northstarspeedway.com for more.

•At the foot of Pioneer Peak lies Alaska Raceway Park’s

quarter-mile drag strip. This International Hot Rod Asso-ciation track is busy Mother’s Day through Labor Day, featuring junior dragsters, motorcycles, top fuel funny cars and nitro altereds. The park’s schedule is full of spe-cial events. See alaskaraceway-park.com for more.

•Capitol Speedway is the track farthest from the central core of the Mat-Su Valley. But those interested in driving a few miles north to Willow just might be in for a treat. Capitol sports the oval dirt track and its always popular demolition derbies. Some fans may come for the demo derbies, but likely also stay for the stocks.

Like North Star, there is plenty of action in several classes. See capitolspeedway.com for more information.East Lake Mall • Big Lake

Big Lake Family Restaurant

Open Mon - Sat 7 am to 9 pm Sun 7 am to 6 pm

ROBERT DeBERRY/FrontiersmanRacers launch off the starting line at the Alaska Raceway Park in the Butte.

ADREnALInE JUnKIES


BY THE NUMBERSn Total Population: 1,912.n Total area 23.5 miles.n That population represents 59 percent growth compared to a Census count of 1,202 in 2000.n Houston was originally founded as a supply town for miners in Willow. It was a railroad stop for gear and materials heading north.n In the mid-1900s, Houston was a stop for coal transportation.

Sources: City of Houston; 2010 U.S. Census.

6◆

See page 36 for a map showing Houston in relation to other areas in the Mat-Su.

hoUStoN

THINGS TO DO

ON THE INTERNETn City of Houston: houstonak.com

n Little Susitna Campground: littlesusitnacampground.comn Houston Chamber of Commerce: houstonakchamber.com

n Campingn Fishing

n Hikingn Float Classic

See page 36 for a map showing Big Lake in relation to other areas in the Mat-Su.

7◆

BY THE NUMBERS

n Total Population: 3,350n Total area 145 square miles

n That population represents 27 percent growth compared to a Census count of 2.635 in 2000.n The town of Big Lake is found on and around the lake, and was founded in the late 1800s and earnly 1900s by homesteaders and individuals traveling to and from Denali.

Source: 2010 U.S. Census.

biG LAkEON THE INTERNETn Big Lake Chamber of Commerce: biglakechamber.org


WiLLoW 8◆

ON THE INTERNETn Willow Chamber of Commerce: willowchamber.org

BY THE NUMBERSn Total Population: 2,102.n Total area 693 square miles.n That population represents nearly 27 percent growth compared to a Census count of 1,658 in 2000.n Willow was founded in 1897 when gold was discovered in Willow Creek. The Alaska Railroad further opened up the area in 1920.n Willow is home to the official Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race restart. In the summer months, outdoors enthusi-asts enjoy the trail as well.

Sources: Willow Chamber of Commerce; 2010 U.S. Census..

THINGS TO DOn Fishing

n Boatingn Camping

n Hiking the Willow Trail

See page 36 for a map showing Willow in relation to other areas in the Mat-Su.

See page 36 for a map showing Talkeetna in relation to other areas in the Mat-Su.

9◆

tALkEEtNA/tRAPPER CREEk

BY THE NUMBERSn Total Population: 876/481n Total area 43 square miles/371 square milesn That population represents 13 percent growth for Talkeetna compared to a Census count of 772 in 2000.n Talkeetna rests at the foot of Denali National Park and Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain.n The town retains much of its rustic charm from when it was used by gold miners in the early 1900s.

Source: 2010 U.S. Census.

ON THE INTERNETn Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce: talkeetnachamber.org.

n Denali flight toursn Denali National Parkn Campingn Hikingn Fishing

n Kayakingn Trapper Creek Museumn River raftingn Talkeetna Historical Society Museum

THINGS TO DO


ROADHOUSELodging • MeaLs • Bakery

Downtown Talkeetna • 733-1351Cozy beds, hearty meals and famous cinnamon rolls. Open Year-Round on Main Street in “Beautiful Downtown Talkeetna.”

www.talkeetnaroadhouse.com

Friendly Alaskan hospitality and a quiet, good night’s rest for our guests.

TOTEM INNMOTEL • CAFE • LOUNGEHEALY, ALASKA • 907 683-6500

[email protected]

• Restaurant Open 7a-10p• 11 Miles From Denali National Park• Open Year Round• Laundry Room• Satellite TV and Internet Access

COLONY HOUSE MUSEUM

n Where: 316 E. Elmwood Ave., Palmern Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.n Admission: $2 per person, $1 children 12 and younger.n Contact: (907) 745-1935n Online: palmerhistoricalsociety.org/colonyhouse

DOROTHY G. PAGE MUSEUM

n Where: Main Street, downtown Wasillan Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, April 1 through Sept. 30.n Admission: Adults $3, seniors $2.50, military $2, children 12 and younger free. Fridays always free for Mat-Su Borough residents.n Contact: (907) 373-9071n Online: cityofwasilla.com/museum

KNIK MUSEUM AND MUSHER’S HALL OF FAME

n Where: Mile 13.9 Knik-Goose Bay Road, south of Wasillan Summer hours: 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 1 through Aug. 30.n Admission: Adults $5, children and seniors $2, families $10.n Contact: (907) 376-7755n Online: wkhsociety.org

MUSEUM OF ALASKA TRANSPORTATION AND INDUSTRY

n Where: 3800 W. Museum Drive, Wasilla. Turn at the sign at Mile 47 Parks Highway.n Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.n Admission: Adults $8, military $5, seniors $5, children $5, families $10.n Contact: (907) 376-1211n Online: museumofalaska.org

PALMER MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART

n Where: 723 S. Valley Way, downtown Palmern Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, May 1 through Sept. 30.n Admission: Freen Contact: (907) 745-8878n Online: palmermuseum.org

MUSEUMS

A traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit on the history of jazz was one of the Dorothy G. Page Museum’s highlights of 2010.



RobERt DebERRy

MAT-SU — It can be easy to capture Alaska’s wildlife and scenery with your camera, but Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman Photo Editor Robert DeBerry has a few tips to help you cap-ture your summer Alaska adventures.

n Have the right equip-ment. Experienced pho-tographers recommend a camera that has inter-changeable lenses. A 28mm to 300mm lens is a good all-purpose lens. A tripod can reduce camera shake and assist in low light cir-cumstances. Plan to carry an umbrella or some plas-tic bags. Great images can be taken in the rain, but keeping equipment dry is

a must. Also, have plenty of extra memory cards and download them often to a secure device such as a computer. There is noth-ing worse than shooting

a bunch of great vacation images only to have them lost if your memory card gets misplaced or damaged.

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photoOverhead clouds reflect on the still waters of Bottle Lake.

PICTURE PERFECTTips to capture those Valley memories

Frontiersman file photoThe marmot was recently recognized by the Alaska Legislature when it renamed Groundhog Day as Marmot Day in the state. See PICTURE, Page 27

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photoA bald eagle flies along the Matanuska River after being released back into the wild by the Alaska Wild Bird Rehab Center in Houston.


World class beers brewed on the premises by German-trained brew masters. All beer is kept cold throughout the brewing process.

Fine food prepared by our world-class executive chef: Gourmet Pizzas, Hand-Pressed Angus Burgers on

Homemade Buns, Fresh Seafood, Homemade Jalapeno Poppers, Pasta, Specialty Salads and more!

Looking for a good souvenir from Wasilla, Alaska? Take home a few of our 22 oz. bottles of beer to go!

238 N. Boundary St., Wasilla right off the Parks Hwy

907-357-7200

Enjoy great beer and fantastic food at

Wasilla’s only brewery!

• 24 Karat Gold Lager• Black Diamond Lager• Gold Digger Doppelbock • Heavenly Wheat American Wheat Ale

• Prospector Pale Ale• Garnet IPA• Imperial Topaz Amber Ale• Grubstake Stout

Our friendly associates take the hassle out of getting your fish home fresh.

We can also packand ship your: • Souvenirs • Luggage • Personal items • Gifts

Ask us for details!

We ship fish.

Key Bank Plaza1150 S Colony Way, Suite 3

Palmer, AK 99645907.746.6245

n Find a quality place to get digital prints made. Great shots taken by a good pho-tographer with an expensive camera can be easily ruined if not handled correctly. There are several online outlets that will let you load you images from you computer and then you can pick prints up or have them mailed to you.

n Get out where the animals are. The Mat-Su Valley offers a great variety of habitat, from the Palmer Hay Flats to Hatcher Pass, and you will eventually stumble upon animals if you spend enough time in the field. Plan ahead if you want to go to a park such as Denali National Park and McNeil River. Reservations are usually needed.

n Plan on shooting photos during the best times of day. Early morning and evenings

are great and animals are more active during these times. If scenics are your thing, the light in the early mornings and late evenings will provide you with dramatic landscapes and beautiful light that will give your images great contrast and

tonal values.n Respect the wildlife and

the land, both for your sake and theirs. Remember that all wild animals can be danger-ous. Do not harass or make them feel threatened by your presence. Not only will this

disturb them, but it will also make it impossible to get good photos. Pack out what you pack in. Don’t leave trash lay-ing around your area for oth-ers to pick up.

n Respect other photogra-phers. Remember, other peo-ple may be trying to capture the same bald eagle or moose calf, so watch that you don’t scare away the animals or step in front of someone else’s shot. Also, share information with other photographers. You may have knowledge that is help-ful and someone else might have knowledge that can point you in the right direction for that once-in-a-lifetime photo-graph.

n Have fun. Passion for the hobby will carry you a long way. Give yourself enough time when going out to really sit and enjoy the animals and scenery. Be patient and try to be part of the landscape.

n Finally, shoot a lot. In the digital age it costs nothing to

pictureContinued from Page 26

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photoSummit Lake glistens in the sun as the surrounding tundra changes from green to yellow and red. Summit Lake is in the Hatcher Pass area of the Talkeetna Mountains.


ANDREW WELLNER

MAT-SU — Alaska might not have the cachet of Augusta, Pebble Beach or St. Andrews, but try to name another place where you can golf until 2 a.m. and still expect to see where your ball went.

The long days of summer mean more daylight hours. Alaska golf courses take advantage of this, especially in late June on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

“On solstice we’ll be taking tee times up until 10 o’clock. That means you’ll be playing golf until 2 a.m.,” said Amos

Stephens, superintendent of golf course operations for Set-tlers Bay, a course that over-looks the Knik Arm south of Wasilla.

As golf courses in the Valley go, each one seems to have a niche. Settlers Bay is the high-er-end course.

“Eighteen-hole champion-ship facility, 6,600 yards from the tips, full restaurant with a deck, 11 craft beers on tap, amazing views of the Chugach (Mountains) and Cook Inlet/Knik Arm,” is how Stephens describes it.

There are three other golf courses in the Valley, each with its own distinct identity.

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course is a family-run, nine-hole course north of Wasilla. It’s what one might refer to as a pitch-and-put course, all holes are par 3, the longest is just 200

yards. It has a driving range and a small pro shop.

Over in Palmer there are two more courses.

The Palmer Golf Course is a municipal course, run by the city. But don’t be fooled — the course is beautiful, with sweeping mountain views and overlooking the Matanuska Glacier. It’s a full 18-hole course, about the size of Set-tlers Bay, with a driving range and pro shop.

And last but not least is Fish-hook Golf Course. Fishhook is another nine-hole course, but don’t call it a pitch-and-putt. It’s a full-size course with a pro shop and driving range and two or three holes longer than 500 yards. But bring your cash — Fishhook doesn’t take credit or debit cards.

Most of the courses have tournaments throughout the summer so make sure to check their websites or call ahead.

SETTLERS BAYn PRICE: $30. Carts are available.n LOCATION: Mile 8 Knik-Goose Bay Road, eight miles south of the Parks Highway.n CONTACT: On the web at settlersbay.com or by phone at (907) 376-5466.

FISHHOOKn PRICE: $17 for nine holes or $28 for 18. Carts are $15, $26 for 18 holes. Senior and military

discounts available. n LOCATION: Just north of Palmer off the Glenn Highway at 2600 N. Palmer-Fishhook Road. n CONTACT: On the web at fish-hookgolfcourse.com or by phone at (907) 745-7274.

PALMERn PRICE: $36, $35 for seniors and $20 for juniors. Carts are $30. n LOCATION: Right next to the Palmer Airport, at 1000 Lepak Avenue, about a mile off the Glenn Highway.n CONTACT: On the web at palmergolfcourse.com or by phone at (907) 745-4653.

SLEEP HOLLOWn PRICE: $15 for nine holes, $25 for 18 with discounts for seniors and children.n LOCATION: 2721 E. Sleepy Hollow Circle, seven miles north of Wasilla.n CONTACT: On the web at alaskagolflinks.com/sleepyhollow.html or by phone at 376-5948.

GOLFING TIPSFOR THE MAT-SUn Bring a sweater, but if you want to fit in, make sure it’s not too dressy.n Be prepared to golf in the wind. It can get pretty gusty at times.n Watch for wildlife. Moose have been known to wander through from time to time.n Keep an eye on your watch. Playing until sunset might keep you out well past midnight.

FORE SCORELong summer

days perfect for extended golf play

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photoBen Cabo watches as Jim Jett makes a putt on sixth hole at the Fish Hook Golf Course.


MENTION PROMO CODE FMVG11

There are more than 2,000 miles of recreational trails in the Mat-Su Valley, so for those itching to explore the area on foot this summer, here are just a few possibilities out there:

Lazy Mountain Trail

Distance: 2.5 milesEase: Moderate to difficultTrailhead features: Large

parking area, public rest-rooms, picnic tables, fire ring

Nearest town: PalmerGetting there: From Palm-

er, go east on the Old Glenn Highway for 2.5 miles, take a left at Clark-Wolverine Road. Proceed one-half mile to a T intersection, then take a right on Huntley Road and follow

it to the end, turning right at the Lazy Mountain Recreation Area and trailhead.

Description: The Lazy Mountain Trail is a steep hiking trail traversing the west slope of Lazy Mountain, climbing 3,000 feet in less than 2.5 miles. The first half of the trail travels through wooded areas of cottonwood, spruce, birch, aspen and tall grasses.

At about the 1,500-foot elevation mark the trail crosses into alpine tundra and offers good views of the Knik and Matanuska rivers and Cook Inlet.

The trail is challenging and tends to be muddy and slip-pery after a rain. Caution is advised. The round-trip hike

takes about four hours to com-plete by the average hiker.

The more adventurous can continue on a primitive route along a ridge to Matanuska Peak (elevation 6,199 feet) about four miles to the south-east. Matanuska Peak is also reached from the Matanuska Peak Trail off the east end of Smith Road.

Matanuska River Park Trail System

Distance: 1.6 milesEase: Easy to moderateTrailhead features: Large

parking area, restrooms, pic-nic tables

Nearest town: Palmer

Getting there: From down-town Palmer, travel east on the Old Glenn Highway. About a mile out of town, turn left to the park’s entrance.

Description: The park has about 1.6 miles of trails that form a loop from the park-ing areas to the river and back. The trails connect the campground, day use area and athletic fields to the riverside. Most of the trail network tra-verses gentle terrain through an old-growth forest of cot-tonwood, birch and spruce.

The park itself sits along an old river bottom bench with small ponds and streams that provide habitat for many small animals and water birds. The

HAPPY, ACTIVE FEETLocal trails offer miles and miles of Valley beauty, exercise

See TRAILS, Page 33


Frontiersman staff

PALMER — The Alaska State Fair will celebrate its diamond anniversary this year with the theme “75 Years and Growin’.”

Considering even big-name national acts like Charlie Daniels play second-fiddle to giant cab-

bage, the theme hits the mark. Visitors to Alaska and the state fair — Aug. 25 to Sept. 5 — will learn quickly the Last Frontier kicks it up several notches when it comes to growing record

vegetables. The highlight of the fair each year is the Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off, where humungous heads hang out.

Look for Steve Hubacek, a Wasilla den-tist, who has won the last three weigh-offs, including a 127-pound behemoth in 2010 that set a new world record.

FAIR AnD SUnnYRiders on the roller coaster on opening day at the 2010

Alaska State Fair.

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file

photo

See FAIR, Page 31


But if cabbage doesn’t turn your leaf, there’s plenty of more traditional entertainment, including a lineup of national acts to rival any state fair. Some of those acts include the Charlie Daniels Band, Foghat, Queensrÿche and the Rat Pack Revue.

Venerable country fiddler Charlie Daniels and his band are on the Borealis stage on Aug. 30. Foghat, a Brit band with roots in American rock and blues, is ten-tatively set for Aug. 29. Ameri-can progressive heavy metal band Queensrÿche is scheduled for the opening day of the fair. Rat Pack Revue — a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. — is on stage Aug. 31.

Chicago-based alternative metal trio Chevelle has the Aug. 26 date penciled in. Aug. 27, it’s Craig Morgan, a country music singer who saved a family from a burning home on Sunday in his Tennessee hometown, accord-ing to his website.

Uncle Kracker, a rock-coun-try-rap rock musician, has the stage on Sept. 1. Three Days Grace, a Canadian rock band, is Sept. 2’s expected featured band. Pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat closes out the season on the Borealis stage on Sept. 5.

There will also be two new car-nival rides this year, a new loca-tion for flower exhibits and a list of other performers: Shanghai Acrobats, Kenai Racing Pigs, Cirque Magnifique, magician Steve Trash, and the Original Synners stunt show. Another attraction, Pirates for Hire, features cast members from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie series.

You don’t have to wait for the fair to buy tickets to any of the main performances. Visit alas-kastatefair.org and click on the “be the first to buy” link in the lower left of the main page.

Check back often as the fair updates its website with more attractions and more complete schedule of all events as the fair draws near.

fairContinued from Page 30

Above: A member of Cavallo Equestrian Arts performs acrobatics on horseback during a performance at the 2010 Alaska State Fair.

Left: Lance Rowe leaves the chute riding bare-back competitoin at last year’s rodeo at the Alaska State Fair.

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman file photos


Rev. Scott Johnson • Reformed Faith & WorshipSunday Scool: 9:30 a.m.

Worship: 10:45 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.2851 E. Bogard Rd, Wasilla907-373-1536www.AlaskaOPC.org

A member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Chruch (www.opc.org)

Grace Presbyterian Church

Rev. Bill FournierMass Schedule: Saturday 5pm • Sunday 9 & 11:30am

Weekdays: Monday - Friday 9am

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30pm

Web Site Address ~ sacredheartwasilla.org

Phone: 376-50871201 Bogard Rd., Wasilla, Alaska

10151 Palmer-Wasilla Hwy mile 2.4

Sunday SERVICES

Wednesday SERVICES

S.School 10amWorship 11amEvening 5:30pm

Evening 7pm

Pastor Steve Cardin 907.745.3898

www.MannaBaptist.com

Pilgrims Baptist ChurchIndependent/Fundamental

Pastor: Dr. Stan Tucker

Service TimesSunday School 10 AMMorning Worship 11 AMEvening Service 6 PMWednesday Prayer 7 PM

Mi. 40.7 Parks Hwy., Wasilla 373-3454-Church, 373-7139-Home

“Christ

died

for our

sins.”Visitors Welcome!

FARM LOOP CHRISTIAN CENTER

5900 N Farm Loop Rd, Palmer 907-745-4851

A Community Bible Church

Ministry for all agesBible Classes - 10 AM

Sunday Services - 11 AMfarmloop.org

20 Mat-Su Summer Visitors Guide www.frontiersman.com

Fairview LoopBaptist Church

3118 W. Fairview Loop Road, WasillaSundaySunday School for all ages 9:00 amMorning Worship Service 10:30 amKorean Worship Service 11:00 amEvening Worship Service 6:00 pm

WednesdayFellowship Dinner 6:00 pmPrayer Meeting & Bible Study 7:00 pmChildren & Youth Mission Groups 7:00 pm

ThursdayMen’s Soup & Bible Study 12:00 Noon

Pastor Tom Hoffman

373-PRAY(7729)e-mail: [email protected]

Affiliated with theSouthern Baptist Convention






St. Bartholomew’sEpiscopal Church

SundayHoly Communion 10am

WednesdayHoly Communion 12 noon

Father Dean Mandrell323 North Alaska, Palmer • 745-3526

stbartholomewak.orge-mail: [email protected]

Sunday Worship 10:00am and 7:00pmPastor: Henry H. Woodall

Offi ce: (907) 376-5053Cell: (907) 354-5043

Email: [email protected]://www.fi rstpreswasilla.org

Youth MinistryDaulton Morock – Cell: (907) 715-2654

Email: pastord@fi rstpreswasilla.org

Wasilla, Alaska 99654


Sunday SERVICES

Wednesday SERVICES


Evening 7pm



Where to WorshipThere’s plenty to feed your spiritual soul while visiting the Mat-Su Valley. In addition to the places of worship on this page, you can fi nd a detailed

listing of area churches in the print editions of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, published each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.






Pastor Tom Hoffman



Sunday Sunday School 9:45 am Worship Service 11 am Worship Service 6 pmWednesday Evening meal 6 pm Bible Study 7 pm Youth and TeamKID 7 pm

Big Lake Baptist Church“Sharing the water of life”

Biglakebaptist.com 892-6646

On the corner of the Parks Hwy and Big Lake Rd.

Weekend Mass ScheduleSaturday at 5:30pm • Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

Weekday Mass Schedule (A Communion Service is held in the absence of a priest)Monday - Wednesday at 9:00am • Thursday at 6:30pm • Friday at Noon

Holy Day Mass Schedule9am & 7pm - Please watch the bulletin for updates

Whole Community Faith FormationSundays from 9:30-10:45am

Adoration of the Blessed SacramentThursday at 7pm—Ending with Benediction on Friday 12 noon

BenedictionFridays at 11:55 am

Sacrament of ReconciliationSaturdays at 4:30- 5pm or anytime by appointment

St. Michael Parish 432 E. Fireweed Ave • Palmer907-745-3229

trails also provide access to the river, where one can wander along the gravel bars and enjoy views of the Matanuska River valley and the Chugach Moun-tain range to the east.

Talkeetna Trails

Distance: River Trail, 1.5 miles; Ridge Trail, 4.5 miles; Old Lake Road Trail, 1.25 miles; Old RCA Trail, 2 miles.

Ease: Easy to moderateTrailhead features: Small

parking area and parking on roadside

Nearest town: TalkeetnaGetting there: To Old Lake

Road Trailhead, go east from Mile 12.1 of the Talkeetna Spur Road on Comsat Road for .7 miles, then turn left (north) on Christiansen Lake Road. Follow the road to the end, where there is a large turn-around and parking area.

To Ridge Trail and Old RCA Trail, go east on Comsat Road from mile 12.1 of the Talkeet-na Spur Road until the end of

the road (about 3 miles) where there is a large turn-around and parking area.

Description: The Talkeetna Trails are year-round, multi-use trails that form a loop between the town of Talk-eetna, the Talkeetna River and the rolling hills that lie east of town. Some of the trails were originally built for cross-coun-try skiing, while others were built for access to logging areas or are old abandoned roads.

The trails connect users to downtown Talkeetna along Beaver Lake Road, and to Lar-son Lake Trail, which heads

east from the Ridge Trail.

Information for this article was provided by the Mat-Su Borough Community Develop-ment Department in Palmer.

TIPS FOR THE TRAILS• Carry water and light snacks• Dress in layers• Wear sturdy boots or shoes with good traction• Keep animals leashed• Take a cell phone in case of emergency• Give non-motorized users the right-of-way• Do not feed wildlife

trailsContinued from Page 29

20 Mat-Su Summer Visitors Guide www.frontiersman.com





Pastor Tom Hoffman








St. Bartholomew’sEpiscopal Church

SundayHoly Communion 10am

WednesdayHoly Communion 12 noon

Father Dean Mandrell323 North Alaska, Palmer • 745-3526

stbartholomewak.orge-mail: [email protected]

Sunday Worship 10:00am and 7:00pmPastor: Henry H. Woodall

Offi ce: (907) 376-5053Cell: (907) 354-5043

Email: [email protected]://www.fi rstpreswasilla.org

Youth MinistryDaulton Morock – Cell: (907) 715-2654

Email: pastord@fi rstpreswasilla.org

Wasilla, Alaska 99654


Sunday SERVICES

Wednesday SERVICES


Evening 7pm



Where to WorshipThere’s plenty to feed your spiritual soul while visiting the Mat-Su Valley. In addition to the places of worship on this page, you can fi nd a detailed

listing of area churches in the print editions of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, published each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.


BY K.T. MCKEE

MAT-S — From Talkeetna on the Susitna side of the Mat-Su valleys off the Parks High-way to Chickaloon on the Matanuska end off the Glenn Highway north of Palmer, river rafting has always been a popular summer activity here.

Whether you’re looking for a calm family float to take in the scenery or a wetter, wilder ride to get your adrenaline pumping, local adventure companies are ready to make your journey memorable.

Nova River Runners, based in Chickaloon north of Palmer

off the Glenn Highway, is the oldest rafting company in the Valley and offers a variety of trips ranging from calm glacier and midnight sun trips under $100 per person to a six-day, fly-in trip on the Tana River costing about $2,000 a head.

The company, which first opened in 1975, has 19 dif-ferent rafting and outdoor adventures.

“We’ve been doing rafting for 36 years and ice climbing and glacier treks for 20 years,” Nova Office Manager Malia Spaulding said. “Most Alas-kans who have friends and family coming to visit put us high on their list of things to do.”

Spaulding said their most popular trips within the Valley are the two Lions Head trips

— one is a 14-mile trip down the Matanuska River with Class 3 and 4 rapids and the other is an evening trip leaving at 7 p.m. that includes a barbe-cue dinner.

The run to the Matanuska Glacier offers a dash of white-water, but mostly great views on mild waters suitable for children as young as 5.

A two-day Matanuska River trip combines the exciting rap-ids of the Lions Head run with a seldom-traveled segment of the Matanuska River for a total distance of 30 miles. This includes an overnight camp-out where you can hear wild

Photo courtesy Nova River RunnersWhitewater enthusiasts in the Valley have plenty of options, from rolling Class 3 or 4 rapids to calm, scenic river tours.

WHAT TO TAKE RIVER RAFTINGn Although reputable rafting companies provide rain gear or dry suits, life vests, shoe covers, paddles and safety instructions, you might want to pack a waterproof camera, dress warmly and keep a positive attitude no matter what the weather. All other gear, drinks, food or other essentials are usually included in the price of the trips and carried on board by river guides, but contact the outfitter for more specifics based on type of trip.

ROLLIn’ On THE RIVER

See RIVER, Page 35


*Save $5 on two scenic Tram rides without lunch. Valid on adult or senior products. Not valid with other offers. Expires 5/31/2012. Redeem at Alyeska Tram Ticket Office.

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Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s premier destination located just 40 miles from Anchorage and on the way to the Kenai Peninsula. Offering luxurious accommodations, mountain-top restaurants

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wolves howling nearby, Spaulding said.

Although they can never guarantee seeing certain kinds of wildlife on such trips, Talkeetna River Guides excursions on three different rivers in the Susitna area some-times include bear sight-ings, according to TRG General Manager Ashley Kaso.

“A couple of years ago there was a brown bear on the Chulitna River that had charged a moose calf and got the calf right in front of everyone,” Kaso said. “Our guys were just flab-bergasted and amazed, and everyone on the boat was horrified! It was a real National Geographic experience, so that was

pretty cool.”Kaso is proud that her

company’s rafting trips on the Susitna, Chulitna and Talkeetna rivers usually offer at least a glimpse of Mt. McKinley on clear days and that the four-hour float from the Chulitna River Bridge to Talkeetna gives riders a clear view of Alaska’s most sought-after moun-tain the entire trip when weather cooperates.

“It’s absolutely beauti-ful,” she said, adding the 30-year-old company does about 500 trips each summer and employs mostly local residents. “Our trips are perfect for families because they don’t involve whitewater, although the four-hour trip isn’t recommended for super young children simply because of its length.”

riverContinued from Page 34

There are a few river rafting outfits in Mat-Su that operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day:

n Talkeetna River Guides is based in the historic, quaint town of Talkeetna 120 road miles from Anchorage off the Parks Highway. It operates out of a yurt on Main Street and can be reached at (907) 733-2677 after May 19. During the winter season Sept. 15 to May 19, call 1-800-353-2677 for reservations and questions. View the website at talk-eetnariverguides.com.

n Nova River Runners is based in Chickaloon about 90 minutes from Anchorage off the National Scenic Byway of Glenn Highway, Mile 76.5. In business since 1975, Nova offers 19 adventures, including Alaska’s most challenging Class 5 rapids at Six-Mile Creek out of Hope, AK. Contact Nova at 1-800-746-5753 or visit novaalaska.com.

n Matanuska Madwater Rafting Co. at Mile 65.1 of the Glenn Highway in Sutton offers two trips: “Wicked Fun Run” and “Lions Head.” The first

provides Class 2 and 3 rapids suitable for families ages 5 and up. The second involves a bit more whitewater and has a minimum age of 12. Call 1-888-MAD-RAFT or visit matanuskamad-water.com.

n Alaska Adventure Unlimited in Wasilla offers tour packages ranging from one-day excursions to elaborate 10-day adventures involving everything from river rafting and hiking to flight trips and train rides. They have five tours that involve rafting, gold panning at Hatcher Pass, dog sled rides and jetboat safaris, among other things. Call the company at 1-800-580-3494 or visit alaskaadventureunlimited.com.n For other local adventures and infor-mation, visit the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau online at alaska-visit.com

LOCAL OUTFITS


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Th e Alaska Railroad showcases adventure with a full summer schedule of tours including visits to

two National Parks.

AlaskaRailroad.com

Call 1-800-544-0552, or (907) 265-2494. Follow the Alaska Railroad! facebook.com/alaskarailroad twitter.com/akrr

T H E A L A S K A R A I L R O A D 2 0 1 1

Great Alaska Vacations

Begin Here.

Swarovski Cut Crystal • Bali Silver • Czech Glass • Charms • Gita Maria

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• Beads, Supplies, Tools & Books •

AURORAAURORABead & CraftBead & Craft

1051 Bogard Rd., Ste. 13 • Wasilla

376-3373

Unique Jewelry • Classes Great Gifts &

Gift Certifictes

Phillips Plaza • Near Curves


BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOUSTON LODGE

“Put Us On Your Travel Itinerary”

HOUSTON, ALASKA MILE 57 PARKS HWY

STEP INTO THE MAN CAVE AND SAY “HI” TO

CHEF ERNIE!

“Come Exp� ience the Hist� y!”

LUNCHDINNERBAKERYESPRESSOWIFI HOTSPOTOUTSIDE DININGLAKEFRONT DININGBIKE TRAILSMINUTES TO THE LIL SUFISHINGLAKESIDE LOUNGING

Photo Credit: Matthew Powell


Also Shop Onlinewww.SportsmansWarehouse.com

ANCHORAGE8681 Old Seward Highway

(907) 644-1400

FAIRBANKS423 Merhar Avenue(907) 374-8800

SOLDOTNA44402 Sterling Highway

(907) 420-3000

WASILLA 1901 E Parks Highway

(907) 864-8000

NEW

4 Great Stores to Shop4 Great Stores to Shop


Documents

Summer Visitors Guide 2011