Summer officially arrived in Alaska at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, and all southern Kenai Peninsula residents know what that means: Summer's almost gone. Which brings to mind this unsolved mystery: How can summer be so short, yet some summer visitors' stays be so long?

That being said, those of us who have the privilege and the pleasure to live here year round would do well to take a page or two from our summer visitors' busy itineraries. Literally. Why should the guests have all the fun?

For most of us, summer slips by all too quickly. Before we know it, the fireweed is blooming, school is starting (Aug. 24, if you haven't yet marked that date on your calendar) and snow starts to fall and there are still fish to catch and trails to hike and interesting places to visit.

So, here's our annual encouragement to residents to play tourist for a day or two or three before summer is completely gone.

Seeing things through the eyes of a visitor can renew our appreciation for this place we call home, in case it needs renewing. When's the last time you went down to the Spit just for the fun of it or took a walk along Bishop's Beach? Enjoyed the camaraderie of the fishing hole? Have you boarded a ferry or water taxi for a trip across Kachemak Bay yet this summer?

Ever gone on the Pratt Museum's harbor tour? Maybe it's been a while since you visited the museum or the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center? Gone clamming? Visited the farmers' market? What about catching a Pier One Theatre production? For a schedule of those performances, see page 19 in this week's paper.

Which brings us to this point: The Homer News staff takes great pride in highlighting things that make living on the southern peninsula so great. The hope is that pieces like the summertime Boat of the Week feature on page 2, our Outdoors stories on page 14, our Arts stories on page 18, Best Bets on page 28 -- plus, Nick C. Varney's Reeling 'Em In, Rosemary Fitzpatrick's Kachmak Gardener, Teri Robl's Kachemak Cuisine, Kyra Wagner's Farmers' Market columns -- and everything else you find in this newspaper help connect residents and visitors to this amazing place.

Some may believe there's nothing to do in small towns; that's certainly not true in Homer. In fact, the real frustration may be in trying to do it all.

One thing we hope is on your list this weekend is Saturday's Homer News Spit Run. By our count, this is the 34th year of the run. Despite a tweak here and change there, the focus of the run has always been the same: family fitness and fun.

Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome, as are their well-behaved dogs on a leash. Participants can dress in costume or their most comfortable jogging clothes.

We can think of no better way to have fun with the family (and the rest of the community), make some memories, burn a few calories, soak up Homer's magnificent views and celebrate summer than the Spit Run. While the deadline for free registration has passed (except for kids 17 and under), it's not too late to sign up -- either at the Homer News or on race day. (For more race details, see pages 7 and 15.)

If you can't make it, but you're out and about on Saturday, we ask that you keep a watchful eye for runners and walkers making their way toward the finish line. Please slow down and cheer them along.

A particular word of caution: Racers cross Kachemak Drive at the base of the Spit. It can get a little messy without a little patience. Drivers, please remember the race -- and summer -- happen only once a year.

And if you are one of those residents who tries to cram 12 months of work into three, now's the time to take a break. Go enjoy the sights and sounds and tastes of summer while you can. The mini-vacation in your own back yard will remind you how fortunate you are to call Homer (and the surrounding area) home 12 months a year.

Plus, there's the bonus of knowing it didn't cost you a fortune to get here.