This event is a family – friendly race with door prizes, free refreshments, and other activities. Funds raised go towards life – affirming options provided by HeartReach.
Tag: Community Engagement
2026 Trail Running Film Festival & Run Expo
TRFF has become a celebration for the trail running community, highlighting the spirit of adventure, perseverance, and connections to nature that make trail running a unique and thrilling experience. As we gear up for the 2026 edition, our commitment to showcasing the most compelling and diverse stories in trail running remains unwavering. Our mission is to celebrate running as a universal practice to explore our collective and individual potential and pursue our wildest dreams.
Black Wolf Endurance is proud to share these stories with you as we get ready for our own race season ahead. We hope these films will connect our community and our runners in pursuing their own adventures, conquering their own goals, and making their own great stories.
Our screening of TRFF will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00pm at the Train Depot in Palmer, Alaska.
Doors will open at 5:30pm for the Valley’s first mini Run Expo. Come visit with race directors and local running clubs/groups to see what running and volunteer opportunities are available to you here in the MatSu Valley.
Run Expo Attending Groups:
AKtive Soles
Progressive PT
NXNW Relays
MatSu Running Club
TNR Healthwise
Run Palmer
…and more.
Film is 90 minutes in length with one intermission.
Be ready for a fun night of community with some special surprises and many giveaways in store!
5th Annual Su-Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair
Sunshine Community Health Center is proud to be an exhibitor at the 5th Annual Su Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11 AM – 2 PM at the Willow Community Center (Mile 69.5 Parks Highway).
Hosted by the Willow, Talkeetna, and Trapper Creek Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), this year’s theme—“Being Prepared Counts!”—focuses on equipping our community with the knowledge and tools needed for all-season safety and disaster preparedness.
This FREE, family-friendly event will feature:
-Live emergency demonstrations
-An interactive earthquake escape room
-Local vendors and community resources
-Door prizes
-Free safety item bags for the first 100 adults
-Come hungry—Patriot BBQ will be onsite serving up delicious food!
With support from the Mat-Su Borough Department of Emergency Services, the Willow Area Community Organization, AARP, and many dedicated partners, this event is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and prepare together.
We look forward to seeing you there!
2026 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering
Mark your calendar! May 2-3, 2026 the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will be held at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and Palmer Airport.
– May 2nd 9am-5pm w/after party with Jerry Wessling from 5pm-8pm
– May 3rd 10am-and closing out with the 2026 Raffle Cub drawing at 4pm!
Over 140 exhibitors, airplanes, food trucks, Youth Activity Tent, STOL Demo, Water Bombing, Skydiving, Spot Landing, Kite flying with Alaskites, Discovery Flight, Career Fair, Workshops, Seminars and more!
More information here: www.alaskaairmen.org/attendees
Enter to win a brand new 2026 4-place Cub here: www.alaskaairmen.org/raffle
Drawing May 3rd, 4pm AKST
Come see the amazing Annmarie Henderson exhibit, artist of this years Great Alaska Aviation Gathering official event poster.
#alaska #generalaviation #pilots #airplanes
Safe Summer Kick-Off!
Join the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation and friends for a family-friendly event all about getting outside, staying active, and learning how to make the most of Alaska’s incredible recreation opportunities safely.
This event will feature:
* Free presentations from local experts: bear safety, water safety, trail etiquette, and more!
* Info tables with information about local organizations and clubs
* Educational exhibits
* Giveaways
Whether you’re a seasoned trail user or just getting started, this is your chance to connect with the community, discover new ways to enjoy the outdoors, and set the tone for a safe, adventurous summer in the Mat-Su. Lace up your shoes, grab your friends, and come celebrate the season!
4th Annual Mat-Su Taste of Hope: A Chef's Competition
We couldn’t wait an entire year before having the chance to come together again! We hope you can join us at the 4th Annual American Cancer Society’s Mat-Su Taste of Hope: A Chef’s Competition on THURSDAY, April 30, 2026. We will once again have 6 competing chefs from around the Mat-Su Valley. Who will we have this time? Check back for more details and ticketing link soon!
*Please note, this event is only for guests 21+*
Nerd Con 2026
Nerd Con Alaska is the primary fundraising event for the Palmer High School Dungeons and Dragons Club. A celebration of all things Nerdy, NerdConAK strives each year to gather Nerds from all walks of life to share their enthusiastic interest in their niche subject. Email NerdConAK@gmail.con if you would like a free booth to share your Nerdy interest with the community. Vendor and artist contracts available.
Eggstravaganza – Willow Elementary School
Get egg-cited!! The Eggstravaganza will be here soon! Mark your calendars for a family fun event!
**If you would like to donate plastic egg-sized candy for this event, you can drop off at the school during weekdays 8 AM-4 PM or at the Willow MVFCU during weekdays 10 AM- 5 PM. Thank you!**
Go Blue Rally
*Attention all advocates for change*
Join us for the Go Blue Rally. Let’s stand up against child abuse and raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
When: 4/3/2026
Time: 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Newcomb park by the intersection of Parks and Crusey
Join us in showing support for Child Abuse Prevention Month by wearing your best blue! Let’s raise awareness and stand together to protect our children. Together we can make a difference. Wear blue and show you care!
Contact:
(907)357-5157
www.thechildrens-place.org
Free Family Activity Day (5 & under)
Free Family Activity Day!
Gym time for kids 5 and under!
Wednesday April 15th 2026 1 pm – 3 pm
Join us indoors for activities, craft, dance party, & games.
Free jumpropes and snacks while supplies last.
BYO toys and strider bikes! Scooters, hoverboards, and pedal bikes are not permitted. Be sure to visit our partner agencies around the room.