Alaska State Fair Parade
Kick off the first weekend of the Alaska State Fair with a parade, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, in downtown Palmer. There will be cowboys, a strolling T-Rex, acrobats and more. Don't forget the candy bags. Route begins at S. Valley Way and Arctic and will end on Fireweed just beyond the Palmer Pioneers Home at S. Chugach Street.
Blanket toss
Discover an Inupiaq tradition and participate in the high-flying excitement. 1 and 6 p.m. at the Gathering Place.
Knights of Valour Jousting Demo
Witness competitors in full suits of armor charging at each other in the full-contact sport that leaves all others in the dust. Every day at 6 p.m. at the RAM Trucks Grandstand Lawn.
Fred Scheers Lumberjack Show
Watch strapping lumberjacks saw logs, throw axes, climb poles and perform other feats of burliness. 1, 3 and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Woodlot and Woodlot Stage.
Garrison Keillor
Get the news from Lake Wobegon when radio host and humorist Garrison Keillor visits Palmer on the 41st anniversary tour of "A Prairie Home Companion." The 2 and half hour show will feature Garrison Keillor, piano master Richard Dworsky, sound effects guy Fred Newman, plus musical guests and Guy Noir, Private Eye. 3 p.m. Sunday at the Kendall Toyota of Anchorage Borealis Theatre. Tickets $75; $35 for seating on the lawn.