Memorial Day events in Talkeetna

Memorial Day weekend in the Upper Valley is considered one of the busiest weekends of the year.  This year, many activities are planned, most are unrelated to each other, but all are expected to bring in extra people and traffic. Friday. May 27^th marks the start of a 3-day two-pitch softball tournament in downtown Talkeetna.  It is the annual Miners Day softball tourney that used to be part of an annual Chamber of Commerce event.  About 10 teams participate. The tournament starts Friday, lasts all day Saturday and Sunday and ends Sunday evening.

Friday evening kicks off the first Live at Five concert in the Talkeetna Village Park.  Doug Geeting will be playing starting at 5 pm.    That evening is also the annual K2 Aviation party for the community.

Memorial Day weekend marks the  first weekend of the summer Open Air Market  starting Saturday the 28^th starting at 10 AM.

On Saturday, Gene Jenne’s memorial service is planned for 2 pm at the Talkeetna Elementary School.  Motorists need to be aware that this might be the busiest traffic area that day and be careful of pedestrians walking to and from the event.   Gene lived in Alaska for 60 years. He was not a veteran of a foreign war, but DID serve in the Army from 1951 to 53.    In 1974 he and Rose moved to Talkeetna.  They have both been a large part of the community since that time.

At the same time on Saturday, the Upper Susitna Seniors are holding a live auction.  The doors open at 2 and the auction begins at 3 pm.

The Moose on Parade art Walk starts at the Sheldon Community Arts Hanger Saturday at 6 pm.  An artist’s reception is held after the walk around town.

Sunday, Deborah Windham Studios presents the annual spring piano recital at 3 pm at the Sheldon Community Arts Hanger.

The grand finale of events is the VFW Post ceremony at the Talkeetna cemetery on Monday at 10 a.m.  A potluck at the VFW follows the event.

This is also a week that Troopers are being extra vigilant to nab people not buckling up.