There is a takeover of Palmer coming this weekend, and women around the Southcentral Alaska region have been looking forward to it for months. The ninth-annual Who Let The Girls Out event in downtown Palmer includes two days of events April 26-27, sales and special opportunities for women at numerous local businesses.

Events range from a 5K race to live music, a talent show, a wellness expo, demonstrations around downtown Palmer and more. There is a "make and take" wearable art event planned, art events, a fashion show and an official "after party" at Klondike Mike's. Throughout downtown Palmer, virtually every business is offering a sale or special in conjunction with the event. The event has continued to grow the previous eight years, and now it's a staple on the Palmer events calendar. You can find out all the specifics at the event's Facebook page as well as in the latest edition of "Make a Scene" newspaper publications. 

Events like Who Let The Girls Out are part of the fabric of the downtown Palmer community, and one of the reasons why we love living here. Yes, I'm a guy and this is a woman-centric event. But it's the passion and togetherness of the community that makes this event work year after year, and it's what keeps us here. The same thing rings true for events like Colony Days in June and Colony Christmas in December - you run into friends and neighbors you haven't seen in a while and catch up over a latte from the local coffee shop.

This weekend, get out and support small, family-owned businesses in Palmer, take an art class, listen to some live music and generally enjoy the downtown vibe. You'll have a great time, and you'll be a part of what makes the downtown area so special.