Palmer, AK

The 30 mile drive from Anchorage to Palmer was awesome. The grandeur of the mountains contrasted with the cultivated fields and the fenced farmlands enclosing cattle, horses, and other livestock. The tiny, colorful flowerrs and leafy plants were not daunted by the craggy snow covered peaks. We stopped at what must have been Alaska’s original strip mall. It has been abandoned and is only a ghost of its former self, but It is a photographer's dream come true. It has a variety of goods to include rusty Cadillacs, an old hairdryer, a gas pump, Caribou antlers and more. Jerry was thrilled! He left with the “collectable” in the photo. As we peaked, poked and pushed through the items outside of the locked buildings, the train from Anchorage to Palmer crossed our path. It was filled with State Fair goers.

Just as we paid for our admission tickets to the fair, we felt droplets of rain. This did not deter us; we put on our raincoats and sloshed up and down the rows of booths. The venders were cheerful and did not seem to mind the weather. “It's like this every year; we know that if we need rain it will come during fair week,” said one vender selling portable structures. Judging took place in various large buildings, and we were glad for the shelter. In one we saw goats, rabbits, chickens, cattle and record sized cabbage, squash, and fruits. Other buildings featured baked goods, clothing, and quilts. Musical performances by local artists were in large tents. It was “Kids Day,” so there were also many activities and exhibits for tots to teens. We had a great time recalling the Ohio State Fair and Ohio’s many county fairs we enjoyed when we were young.