Due to another round of high winds, the annual Colony Christmas parade and fireworks show in downtown Palmer has been postponed until Dec. 19.
Originally scheduled for Dec. 13, organizers decided to delay the beloved tradition for a week due to safety concerns with another powerful windstorm sweeping across Southcentral Alaska.
“The safety of our community, volunteers, and participants, is our top priority,” a notice from the Palmer Chamber of Commerce stated. “While this decision was not made lightly, weather conditions require us to take a cautious approach so everyone can enjoy these signature events safely.”
The Mat-Su just weathered a devastating multi-day windstorm that sent trees crashing into powerlines and cutting power from tens of thousands of area homes. The latest storm, which began Saturday and is expected to continue through Sunday, is not quite as strong, but gusts of 35-40 miles an hour are again shaking homes and toppling trees.
Despite the gusty conditions, indoor Colony Christmas events are proceeding as scheduled. This includes holiday markets, crafts, music and other festive events throughout the town.
“THE GOOD NEWS — COLONY CHRISTMAS IS STILL HAPPENING!” the Palmer Chamber stated on Dec. 13. “Santa is still coming. Please still come out, support our local businesses, and enjoy everything Colony Christmas has to offer today – and join us again next Friday, December 19th, for the parade and fireworks!”
For more information about Colony Christmas, click here.
