In our own Backyard

"It seemed like a lot of people turned out," said Nyla Whitecap, Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center manager and coordinator of the Homer Chamber of Commerce-sponsored weekend event.

Not just people.

"It's the first time since I've taken over the parade that I had some alpacas and yaks in it, so that was exciting for me," said Whitecap." It was fun to see them. I've never seen a yak marching down Pioneer Avenue before."

Although weekend temperatures were more favorable than those that hit the peninsula during the 2011 carnival, Saturday's above-freezing warmth created conditions unsuitable for racing on Beluga Lake, a disappointment for anyone wanting to watch or actually compete in car, snowmachine and bicycle races that had to be cancelled.

The following awards were given to entries in Saturday's parade:

Best nonprofit

$400: HoPPS

Best individual/family

$200: Brother Fun

Best for-profit

$125: Wells Fargo float

Judges choice

$125: Krewe of Gambrinas, marching for Boys & Girls Club.

Winter fun isn't over on the southern peninsula. Still to come:

Feb. 23-26:

Snow Rondi, sponsored by the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce;

March 17

Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament, sponsored by the Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.