PALMER â The spirit of Christmas rode through Palmer on Saturday and brightened up the faces of hundreds of people who had gathered downtown to witness the Colony Christmas festivities organized by the Palmer Chamber that culminated with the Colony Christmas parade and fireworks extravaganza that was sponsored by BP.
Riding atop a Palmer Fire and Rescue ladder looking down on streets lined with parade-watchers was none other than Santa Claus himself, along with over 40 parade floats that dazzled the crowds along Alaska Street in Palmer on Saturday. Despite the arrival of COVID-19 vaccinations to Alaska this week, restrictions for social distancing changed the way the Chamber delivered Colony Christmas events this winter after canceling the summer parade this year.
WASILLAâ The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce is moving forward with its Colony Christmas festivities in downtown Palmer this weekend.
A majority of the community events, including the pinnacle point of interest, the Parade of Lights, are taking place on Saturday, according to Executive Director Ailis Vann.
âWe donât foresee any reason to cancel unless something comes down from the higher ups,â Vann said.
According to Vann, nearly all of the Colony Christmas events and activities are taking place outside this year to accommodate social distancing measures.
âWe really molded it this year into a pretty much full outdoor event. Weâre just trying to encourage people to bundle up and enjoy the winter weather on Saturday.â