Your Guide to New Years Eve Activities and Fireworks in Wasilla, Palmer and Houston Alaska

Fireworks used to be off limits in Palmer and Wasilla but they are now legal with a few common sense guidelines. I remember growing up in Wasilla and going with friends to Houston to buy fireworks that were not legal to shoot off when we got back home. We (if I remember correctly) could shoot them off in Houston only but it was always a bit confusing. Thankfully, it is a little better spelled out now.

In Wasilla,the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce and Matanuska Telephone Association have partnered together to bring us a glorious firework show on New Years Eve. The fireworks display is on 12-31-2010 and it begins at 8:00 PM on Wasilla Lake.   If you have your own fireworks to display they are now legal in the city limits and the borough but in a limited capacity and for a limited time. Information for private fireworks use inside the each city (Palmer, Wasilla Houston as well as the Mat-Su Borough is provided a little further down this page.

In Palmer,we have not found any information on a hosted firework display, but we do know that Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers are meeting at 1:00PM on New Years Eve to ski or snowshoe Archangel Trail. They have offered to meet at Turner’s Store and carpool in or meet at Archangel at 1:45. VMBAH suggests that you bring water, snacks and appropriate winter clothing and your ski or snowshoe gear. The trail is said to be an is an easy to moderate ski or snowshoe along the unplowed Archangel Road/Trail. It may or may not be groomed at that time. They plan on going at least a couple miles one-way, depending on the snow conditions and weather. The New Years Eve celebration can continue with the ‘Apres ski’ also. Plan to linger in Hatcher Pass for a apres ski at the Hatcher Pass Lodge – a little warm food, drink and conversation will be a great way to end the day (and year!) – or linger a bit more for dinner if you have the time.

According to their website, VMBAH is a recreational trail advocacy group based in Mat-Su. They are dedicated to increasing the quality and quantity of sustainable trails for hikers and mountain bikers throughout the Matanuska -Susitna Valley. FOr more information, contact them at trailhead@vmbah.org for more information.

In Houston, a little birdie told us that the Houston Lodge will be celebrating with the band Steelhead beginning at 9:00 PM at the lodge. So you can ring in the new year with a mix of rock, country and blues!

Now for the rules, laws, codes and ordinances for each community. Because each varies, we decided to offer a ‘snapshot’ into each. If you have any questions on any of them, you can call the city police or AST for assistance. Remember to play it safe and use common sense-they are explosives, they do burn and they make loud noises that can scare little ones and pets. It is always a good idea to bring ear plugs for the little ones, keep water close just in case, have a sober adult supervise, and leave the pets safe at home.    

The City of Wasilla website offers the following as New Years Eve firework stipulations:

Permitted between 6 p.m. December 31 and 1 a.m. January 1. 2011

• Must be used on private property, with permission from property owner.
• Prohibited within 50 feet of lakes and other waterways within the city.
• Prohibited within 500 feet of automotive shops, gas stations and places where flammable liquids are stored.
• Prohibited within 250 feet of churches, libraries, schools and health care facilities.
• Prohibited within or from any structure or vehicle.
• Prohibited if state Forestry Division declares a burn ban.

If you have your own fireworks to display inside the city limits of Palmer, they are now legal but, like in Wasilla, it is in a limited capacity. The City of Palmer ordinances state the following regarding the use of fireworks:

• Permitted between 6 p.m. December 31 and 1 a.m. January 1.
• Must be used on private property, with permission from property owner.
• Must be under the direct supervision of a person 21 or older
• Prohibited within 50 feet of waterways within the city limits.
• Prohibited within 500 feet of automotive service stations or other premesis where flammable liquids or gasses are stored.
• Prohibited within 250 feet of any health care facility or assisted living facility, library, school, or places of worship
• Prohibited within or from any structure or vehicle.
• Prohibited if state Forestry Division or the City of Palmer declares a burn ban.

As far as the city of Houston ordinances go, the Houston Municipal Code outlines the following for firework use and purchase:

• It is unlawful for any person to explode any fireworks, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, within any City park or upon any public property or rights-of-way.
• Subject to any limitations in other sections of this chapter, a person may use saleable fireworks within the City for personal and private use on real property owned by the person, or on real property owned by another with prior consent of the property owner.
• The sale of fireworks to any person under the age of 18 is prohibited. It is unlawful for persons under 18 years of age to purchase fireworks. Purchasers of fireworks must show proof of age upon request by seller.
• The sale of the following types of saleable fireworks is prohibited: pop bottle rockets.
• It is unlawful for any person under the influence of alcohol to discharge fireworks.  The penalty for violation of HMC 8.05.040.E may result in seizure of the fireworks and/or a fine of up to #300.
• It is unlawful for any person to negligently or unlawfully discharge fireworks in a manner that could reasonably cause harm to life and property.  Any such use, ignition, detonation or explosion of fireworks may result in seizure of the fireworks and/or a fine of up to $300.

If you are not inside the city limits of Wasilla, Palmer or Houston and do not fall under the specific city codes and ordinances, the Mat-Su Borough has restrictions also. They do resemble the city standards but, just in case you missed it, here they are:

• Permitted between 6 p.m. December 31 and 1 a.m. January 1.
• Prohibited within 500 feet of any gas station stations or other business where flammable fuels are stored.
• Prohibited within 1250 feet of any health care facility or assisted living facility, library, school, or places of worship
• Prohibited within or from any structure or vehicle.

Of course, if your new years resolution is to buy or sell a home, we are here to help! You can create your own custom search here.   www.AlaskaDreamMakers.info

Larry & Jacque Ficek
Broker/Owner, ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR
Assoc. Broker/Owner, ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR

Alaska Dream Makers

907-373-8000

Being born on Elmendorf Air Force Base (now called Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson or JBER for short), and then raised in Wasilla since age 12, I have ‘local’ knowledge of many simple adventures that can be done in a day.

Whether you live here or are vacationing in the area, one day trip that we recommend is a day hike to Thunderbird Falls. T-Bird Falls is a relatively easy walking trail (there were several little kiddos on the trail with us) that careens through the lush foliage of the Chugach State Park and leads to the rushing water of the falls. The trail itself is about a mile and a half long and can be completed as fast as you want or as leisurely as you choose.

The trail is wider than a four wheeler so there is room for many people on the trail at a time. There are a few wooden observation decks and benches along the way for viewing the gorge, the birch forest and the rocky cliffs. One such viewing station overlooks the 200 foot falls and has some built in bench seating to enjoy a picnic if you are so inclined (hence the leisurely part above).

Bear are common in the area and we did see sign (bear scat) on the trail. It is always a good idea to travel in numbers, carry protection and make noises while on the trails.

Directions:
To get to Thunderbird Falls, take the Eklutna Exit off the Glenn Highway (about mile 25.5) and then follow the signs. The trail head and parking is about .3 miles to the trail head.

Special notes:
There is a bathroom station at the trail head for convenience.
Be aware of wildlife. Be ‘Bear Aware’ at all times!
There are private residences that tuck up to the trail. How cool is that?
Always lock your vehicles, parking lots are often targets for thieves (no matter where you go).
Don’t tangle with the Devils Club-although it is pretty and easy to take pictures of with large leaves, it has loads of sharp thorns.

All pics are property of and copyrighted by Alaska Dream Makers.

Jacque & Larry

One of our favorite things to do in the fall is go on a day trip to a U-Pick Farm for fresh Alaskan Veggies. The carrots are sweet adn crunchy, the peas are the BEST adn it is fun getting your hands dirty. The views are spectacular too!

One of our favorites is Pyrahs Pioneer Peak Farm in the Butte. Here are some pics of us being silly with my cousins on the farm.

Directions:

From Palmer, take the Old Glenn Highway west out of Palmer. Follow Old Glenn for approximately 8 Miles.  Turn right onto Bodenburg Loop Road.  Follow Bodenburg for approximately 3 miles.  The farm will be on the right hand side.

Special Notes:
There are rules when you pick as to the minimum size of certain veggies, picking allowed in designated areas, be careful not to waste and they are closed on Sundays. You can visit the website for more information.

Have fun and enjoy the harvest!

Jacque & Larry

Siblings, Rotten, Rotten-ROTTEN!

Growing up in Alaska with two brothers and two sisters it was interesting to say the least. We all got along (our parents would not have it any other way) and we went on adventures as a family. We went snow machining like ducks in a row, camping, fishing, going to the flight line on Elmendorf AFB (now Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson or JBER for short) to watch the planes, whatever it was, we were together.

One memory that sneaks up on me this time of year is the smell of fall. It is a decay smell to me, wet leaves, dying grasses etc. Some people like the smell and others do not. Larry and I are on both sides of the fence on this one, I do not like the smell, he does because it means fall to him.

The reason I do not like it is because of the title of this story. Siblings, Rotten, Rotten-ROTTEN! You see, my siblings told me when I was an impressionable young kid (maybe 6 years old) that the smell was a WET BEAR in the woods. They followed up with anytime you smell that smell, the bear is close and can smell you too. Then something like it is close enough to attack and eat you…you know, the fun stuff siblings say and do to each other.

To this day, I still have that millisecond response to the smell and then I think ‘siblings, Rotten, Rotten-ROTTEN!’

For those of you new to Alaska or just visiting our area in the fall, the smell is probably just the smell of fall and not a wet bear lying in wait to attack. Thank you John, Don, JoAnne and KC for the blog idea, you are all ROTTEN!

The pics above were from our family reunion in 2011. We were recreating the family pic from 36 years prior as a silly surprise for my folks. My family is nuts (in a good, silly, mischievous, fun, goofy-and a bunch more adjectives-way)! Can you see from the pics why I say Siblings, Rotten, Rotten-ROTTEN? 

If you are new to Alaska or just visiting, we are available to help with the purchase of your new home. If you are selling because you too do not like the smell of fall, we are also here for you!

If you are not moving here but vacationing we also have some really cute Alaskan themed, modern and fully furnished vacation rentals if you simply just want to check out our beautiful state (and tease family members with the ‘wet bear’ story).

Jacque
Jacque & Larry

I received a phone call from my mum a couple nights ago asking for some assistance. There have been some burglaries in businesses near her and pops home and she has been extra cautious when locking every door and window in the home.

Mum and pop have taken the garage door openers out of their vehicles and have a keypad on the garage door for key-less entry. Here is the issue. She locked all the inner screen/security doors as well as the interior door from the house to the garage. 

Yep, mum was locked out-able to get into the garage but not the home. Pop was out of town and she called me for help. Luckily, I was at the office but even I do not have a key to the home (I have the garage combo though but that was not going to get me in).

So I called Neil from Neils Lock and Safe and, even though he was closing in 10 minutes, he came to our rescue.

In a quick few minutes Neil had the door unlocked.

Neil and his lovely wife Lindy are the ‘go to’ people for keys that work (we have had way too many issues at the box stores) and they offer safes, cameras, electronic security systems and locksmith services.

They also give so much back to the community with local sponsorship of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation and raising much needed funds for the Children’s Hospital in memory of their precious daughter (Brianna Gregory Foundation).

If you have a need for security systems, safes, or anything locksmith related, call Neils Lock and Safe. Or, if you would like to donate your time or monies to either of their close to the heart causes, please visit their websites or check them out on Facebook.

http://briannashope.org
http://shootsctp.org

You may even see a couple pictures of Larry and I too (in costumes) at the some of the fundraisers…

Jacque & Larry

First of all, Larry and I want to say thank you for your service to us and our country.

As an Air Force brat myself and the youngest of five children to a career military dad and stay at home military mom, I appreciate everything you do.

I (Jacque, the one in yellow) was born on Elmendorf AFB when my parents were first stationed here. Shortly after, the family was moved to Rantoul Illinois (Chanute AFB) and then back to Elmendorf when I was five. We stayed in base housing until pop retired from 23.5 years of service in 1982 and we moved to Wasilla. The family has been in Wasilla ever since.

I remember going to the flight line to watch the planes, Green Lake to go fishing, Hillburg Ski Area and snow machining all over the back of the base. The shuttle bus to anywhere on base, the pool and gym, the bowling alley, meeting pop at the hospital for lunch (he is a PA-C) all have fond memories for me.

If you are new to our area, the main website for JBER info is here.

If you would like housing purchase information, it would be our pleasure to assist you in purchasing your new home. Our website has a direct link into the MLS and has the most current and up to date information available. Our website is here.

Some other sites to look at are as follows:

Elmendorf Officers’ Spouses’ Organization

Commissary hours and info

JBER Services and Recreation

Hillburg Ski Area

My pop, John B Henley II (AKA Skip) is an E-9 Commissioned, Purple Heart Decorated, stationed everywhere from AK, CA, OH, IL, TX and even Tripoli Libya, survivor of Vietnam and just an all around cool guy. He still works with veterans as a private contractor and he really enjoys being active within the military community.  Yeah, I am biased but what can I say?

]]> http://suitedreamsalaska.com/information-for-military-transfers-to-jber-joint-base-elmendorf-richardson/feed/ 0 http://suitedreamsalaska.com/things-to-do-places-to-go-while-in-alaska-overnight-camping-trip-over-the-denali-highway/ http://suitedreamsalaska.com/things-to-do-places-to-go-while-in-alaska-overnight-camping-trip-over-the-denali-highway/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:02:31 +0000 larryficek http://alaskadreammakers.com/?p=1753  

Things to Do, Places to Go While in Alaska-Overnight Camping Trip over the Denali Highway

While you are visiting Alaska, you may choose to go camping! Why not take in the fantastic fall colors and take an adventure drive over the Denali Highway? In all our years here and all our travels, this is one road that neither Larry nor I have had the pleasure of traveling until this year (2011). So we packed up some friends, warm camping gear, Tana the poodle and headed north.

Our adventure started as we drove through the still green Birch and Spruce trees of the Matanuska Valley and meandered north through the state toward Cantwell. We left Wasilla (mile 40 of the Parks Highway) passed Talkeetna, neared Mount Mckinley (ok, the park anyway) and made a right at Cantwell (about 160 miles later). As we drove north we could feel the temperature change and see the light yellowing of the trees as fall kissed the leaves.

We were, of course, in full debate as to which we would see first-would it be an eagle? A moose or caribou? Perhaps a bear? Our friends were ready to see a bear but the caribou ‘won.’

Along the Denali Highway, we were very surprised to see how many other campers (hunters too) were out there with us. Much to our surprise, with as many weekend tent cities and hunting stations as there were 100 miles from much of anything, we had a friend (and past client three times over) pull up beside us. Alaska is the largest state in the union but it is still a small world! Allan was doing exactly what we were, exploring our beautiful state and taking pictures along the way.

Our campsite was not perfect and it rained on us all night but, by morning, it was beautiful out and the campfire was perfect for our oatmeal and fresh picked blueberries.

Our 550 mile drive/camping trip and wildlife viewing tour cannot be described any better than in the photos we took. Take a look!

Directions:

From Wasilla, drive north on the Parks Highway toward Fairbanks, take the Denali Highway exit at Cantwell. Follow the 135 mile (much of it dirt but very well maintained) road across to Paxson. Follow to Glennallen (get gas here too before continuing on) and then south to Palmer. From Palmer you can go back over to Wasilla or continue south to Anchorage.

Special Notes:

Services are very limited! Medical may be available in Delta Junction, Cantwell and Glennallen but there is not much available while on the Denali Highway.

Fill up your gas tank before heading on the highway. Bring your snacks and drinks, protection from wildlife, extra gear and warm clothes with you. Don’t forget your camera!

There are a couple of places to stay but they are limited and on a first come first served basis, otherwise a warm tent and camping gear makes for a great adventure in itself.

The Denali Highway is typically open from mid May to October unless you are on a snow machine adventure. Snow and drifts often makes the road impassible. 

Have fun on your adventure and stay safe!

Jacque & Larry 

For a nice drive in the spring, summer or even in the winter, a day trip to Hurricane Gulch is worth the drive.

The bridge is an unexpected and phenomenal feat of early Alaskan engineering. It spans 918 feet and is nearly 300 feet above the Chulitna River.

Many vacationers will take the journey on the Alaska Railroad but, if you have a vehicle, you can view this arched steel bridge over the sheer cliffs below on your own time. If you are driving yourself, there is a pullout just north of the bridge and a few trails to get a better photo vantage point.

Below are a couple of our photos from our trip.

Directions:
To get to Hurricane Gulch, take the Parks Highway to mile 174 (Wasilla is about mile 40)

Special notes:
Dont stop on the bridge, go to the pullout just north of it and park. There are trails to walk along and take pictures.

All pics are property of and copyrighted by Alaska Dream Makers.

Jacque & Larry

If your travels to Alaska involve the later part of August and the easy part of September, the Alaska State Fair is a MUST on your ‘to do’ list. The fair is typically held near the latter end of August at the state fair grounds in Palmer.

Whether you go to see the crafts or the gigantic, world record breaking veggies…OK, so the Alaska Dream Maker rhubarb took 2nd place this year but was not a record breaker-there is always next year!

Whether you go to see the animals or the petting zoo…

Whether you go to taste test your way through the fair for the fantastic foods…

Whether you go for the Ferris wheel or other rides…

A trip to the Alaska State Fair is well worth it!

Directions: In Palmer you can take the Glenn Highway to Inner Springer and work your way through the traffic cones and dozens of directional signs (easy-they have it well marked). Or, if coming from Wasilla, we like to go through Palmer and around the back way by Palmer Jr Middle School and then around to Inner Springer.

Special Notes:
-Bring rain gear and a wind breaker (’tis the season). You never know if you will need sunglasses or not so bring those too.
-Have cash ready for parking, they charge you at the gate and many local businesses will tow you if you park in their lots trying to avoid the parking fees (including the large DMV parking lot across the street).
-If you can get tickets ahead of time at Carrs or Costco, DO IT! Then you do not have to wait at the ticket line and you can go right to the gate where the ticket collectors will take your ticket. On busy days, this can save you up to 20 minutes.
-Don’t forget the cream puffs. They make ‘to go’ containers-yes, they are that good.
-The farm exhibits close early on the last day (6PM) and they will herd you out, not kidding, at 6. Get there in plenty of time so that you do not miss the monster veggies.
-Wheelchairs and stroller rentals are available at the fair in several places.

Have fun and be ready for fun and food!

Jacque & Larry

While in the Palmer area, if you head into the Butte, there are many trails to take four wheeling.

Not only will you be nose to nose with gorgeous mountains but you can play in the valleys and kick up some mud in the meantime.

There are amazing views, cold water, bumps and jumps, dunes and dirt all along the way. Many people camp along the river in one of several parking areas. You will see brand spanking new four wheelers mixed with old beater four by fours. Everyone is welcome in the mud!

Beware though, do not get out too far like these folks. It may not look dangerous but it can get there very fast.

It looks like fun until somebody goes into the drink! We were not sure if they thought there was a sandbar or what but they had several onlookers.

Apparently, they had several supporters as it took two trucks, a couple tow lines and a chain and a nice friend with some hip waders to hook it all up-just to get them out.

Directions:

To get to the Knik River parking lot From Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway to the Old Glenn Highway Exit toward the Butte. Follow the road to the left (over the bridge) and there are parking lots on both sides of the road. There are other places to park but this is the closest to Anchorage.

Special Notes:
Prepare for the unexpected and bring gear for all temperatures.
Watch for tides, keep a safe zone!
Stay off the mudflats and beware of the quicksand like properties of the mudflats.
Unsuspecting or people unaware of the dangers of the mudflats can get caught in it and drown or die of hypothermia. We know of several instances where it took a fire hose and pressurized water to break the hold of the quicksand like mud.

Play it safe and keep it fun!

Jacque & Larry