Keep your eyes open for the 2014 Homer Winter Carnival collectible buttons being sold around town as planning of carnival activities continues. 

The first big event is the Mr. Homer Pageant on Feb. 6 at Homer High School. One lucky man to will be chosen to preside over festivities as “Mr. Homer.”  This This Homer-style, sorta-beauty pageant is based on contestants judged in four categories, including Homer swimwear. Visit our Facebook page for information or to submit your nomination for a contestant.  

An official opening ceremony on Feb. 7 at Karen Hornaday Park is designed to resemble the Olympic Games opening, only better, it includes a truly magnificent preview of the Homer Winter Carnival with a bonfire, racing outhouses on display, a parade of participants and a 100-voice choir directed by Kyle Schneider, who directs music at Homer public schools.

Feb. 8 is the big day, with a parade on Pioneer at noon-ish, followed by the rebirth of the outhouse races. A snowshoe softball tournament is being organized by Mike Illg of Homer’s Community Recreation Program. There will also be socials and fundraisers (schedules will be available a week before the event) leading up to the carnival’s final social with awards, live music, snacks and more on Feb. 9 at the Down East Saloon. 

American Legion Post 16 has been challenged by the Homer Elks Club to a silly outhouse race, with the losers washing the trucks of the winners. Bring it on, antler faces. We remind you that several of our members trucks look a lot like excavators and road maintenance equipment, with yards of built-up mud clinging to the treads. We now upped the bet, saying the losers must publicly wash our vehicles while wearing ridiculous outfits.

Get ready to have some fun, Homer. The Homer Winter Carnival is set for Feb. 6-9.