Forest Fair went off without a hitch. Some people received a few bumps, bruises and scratches, but otherwise it was a safe fair, which is what the community wants – a family friendly event. There was some talk of bringing in more security or help for the after parties, which were rowdier and louder than the fair. Some downtown neighbors complained of the noise and people in the streets whooping it up. But if you live downtown, and it’s Fourth of July weekend, expect a little raucous fun. It’s only once a year, then Girdwood returns to its quiet roots. And the businesses certainly appreciate the added patronage.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Girdwood resident, was a real champ at Forest Fair, sitting in at the dunk tank. She got dunked 10 or 12 times along with Anchorage Assemblywoman Jennifer Johnston, who represents Girdwood. The tank earned about $3,200 for the feasibility and business plan for building a new recreation center in Girdwood.

The Double Musky Inn celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Monday, July 16. A few hundred people showed up to feast on the 400 pounds of crawfish that were steamed up for free. Not a bad run for a restaurant. Looking forward to the 100th Anniversary party.

The Seaview Café was packed on the Fourth weekend with a full slate of music Friday, Saturday and Sunday. People who wanted a change from the Forest Fair crowd went to Hope, and Renna, the owner of the Seaview, said business was very good.

Speaking of Hope and the Seaview, Stephen King popped in the bar last week. Word is he ordered some French fries, and while he was waiting, spoke to a woman at the bar who was desperately looking for her lost dog. He then stopped by Sourdough Dru’s gift shop down the road. When he entered the shop, Dru, who was outside went inside to greet him. She said he asked her “do you want to hear the story of the Hope woodpecker?” Of course, Dru said she wanted to hear it. The funny thing is, she didn’t know the man telling the story was one America’s greatest horror authors; she just thought he was another guy coming in off the street. Anyway, King went on tell the story. If you want to hear the story, you’ll have to visit Dru’s gift shop.

After King told the story, Dru asked him to sign her guest book and write “woodpecker story” next to it so she’d remember how to tell it. King replied, “If I write my name then you’ll have to rip the page out or someone else will because I’m Stephen King.” Rumor has it that King is staying in Hope and writing a book, and trying to do so incognito. Well, in Hope, that would be pretty much impossible for anybody, let alone one of the most popular and well known authors in the world. So, if perhaps the rumor is true, and they most always aren’t, then keep a look out for the great horror novelist, but don’t be scared to go to Hope.

As for entertainment in Hope, the Seaview will feature Sean Kershaw and the New Jack Ramblers on Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21 features Hot Dish Bluegrass. The following weekend, Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28 the Denali Cooks will play. Doors open at 7 p.m. Don’t forget about Jamn Night every Thursday, 7-11 p.m.

In Girdwood at Alyeska Resort, Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21 Eric McFadden is at the Sitzmark and the following weekend the Summer Concert Series kicks off with Hal Anthony & The Millennium.

If your idea of entertainment is to get outdoors and hike, then do yourself a favor and head on over to Thriftwood on the boardwalk at Olympic Mountain Loop in Girdwood. Chris Peterson, the owner of the newly opened store, loaded up on titanium camping cookware. It’s incredibly light and strong, and a must for backcountry hikers looking to spend a night or more in the great outdoors.

If you have a music venue or know of entertainment that you’d like included in Around the Arm, please email information to: info@turnagaintimes.com.