Southcentral weekend brings ski swap, winter prep and fall festivals

Southcentral Alaska faces a wet, cool weekend, with events running Friday through Monday built around winter prep, fall races, cultural programs and family activities.

Forecasts call for highs near the upper 40s, with showers likely through much of the weekend.

The AK Ski & Winter Gear Swap runs from noon to 4 pm Saturday at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage. The annual swap brings used ski, snowboard and winter gear into one place as Southcentral skiers get ready for the season.

Also Saturday, the Anchorage Winter Preparedness Fair runs from noon to 4 pm at the Fairview Recreation Center. Organizers describe the event as a practical stop for help with winter energy costs, home warmth and weatherization.

For runners, the Zombie Half Marathon starts Saturday morning at Goose Lake Park. The event includes a half marathon, 5K and kids race, with costumes encouraged.

On Sunday, Goose Lake Park hosts the Girls on the Run Limitless 5K & Fundraiser. Activities begin at 10 am and the 5K starts at 11 am. The event supports Girls on the Run Southcentral Alaska.

Outside Anchorage, Kenai's Pumpkin Festival runs from 11 am to 3 pm Saturday. The city event includes pumpkins, family activities and fall programming.

In Palmer, the Alaska State Fair Holiday Bazaar runs Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds also host Rebarchek Harvest Day on Saturday, with gates opening at noon and the potato harvest set for 1 pm.

The long weekend closes Monday with an Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration from 11 am to 1 pm at Alaska Pacific University's Moseley Sports Center in Anchorage. The free community event is set to include Alaska Native dance, food, art vendors and speakers.

The schedule mixes indoor and outdoor events, with rain in the forecast. Outdoor options include the Goose Lake races in Anchorage, the Kenai pumpkin festival and Palmer's harvest day.