Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! That’s what the weather said last week, though the Betster thinks that Homer is rather done with snow. But look on the bright side, folks, it appears that we’ll have a white Christmas after all! So clear your driveways and strap on your ice cleats if you need them — there’s holiday shopping to finish and fun events to check out! For details, take a look at these Best Bets.
BEST LAST-MINUTE GIFTS BET: Are you scrambling to find that perfect gift at the last minute? Scramble no more! Check out the Procrastinator’s Fair at Christian Community Church on Friday, Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all sorts of wonderful things to round out your holiday shopping. There will be hot food, treats and snacks, a free kids’ crafting and cookie decorating area, and free prize drawings. Children can also meet Santa on Friday from 2-4 p.m. and Saturday from 2-5 p.m. Don’t miss out! 3838 Bartlett St.
BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS BET: Don’t miss the final weekend for Bear Creek Winery’s Garden of Lights, this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 20-21 from 5-7 p.m. Come take in the holiday lights and enjoy free cocoa, music and cheer! This event is free and open to the public. 60203 Bear Creek Drive.
BEST BIRD COUNT BET: Homer’s Annual Christmas Bird Count has been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 21! Meet at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. to get your area and team assignment. Coffee/tea and breakfast goodies will be available. Count in the field all day and return at 4:30 p.m. to compile the species and numbers. This event is free and open to the public — you don’t have to be an expert birder to help with this important citizen science count! Teams have experts and include newer birders. If you aren’t able to make it to the AMNWR Visitor Center, you can help with the Christmas Bird Count as a Feeder Watcher! Record the species of bird, maximum numbers of each species at your feeder or in your yard at one time (noting the time and the total amount of time spent observing the feeder) and submit results to the Feeder Watcher Coordinator, Kathy Eagle, at katheagle@gmail.com or 907-232-3789. Check in with Kathy ahead of time to be sure you are in the “Count Circle.” More information about Homer’s Christmas Bird Count can be found online at kachemakbaybirders.com. For questions, contact the CBC coordinator/compiler Dave Erikson at 907-441-7931. 95 Sterling Highway.
BEST COMMUNITY RECEPTION BET: The Homer Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Homer, the Homer Cycling Club and Land’s End Resort, will host a welcoming reception for Kristen Faulkner, Homer’s Olympic gold medalist, on Friday, Dec. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Homer High School Mariner Theatre. Come help welcome Kristin back to her hometown and hear stories about her journey to the Olympic Games in Paris and becoming an Olympic champion. 600 E Fairview Ave.
BEST NEW YEAR’S FIREWORKS BET: Homer’s annual crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza returns for the seventh year on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. at Mariner Park! Show up early to get a good spot — parking fills up fast! In addition to fireworks and music, Captain’s Coffee will have a food truck present selling hot drinks and snacks. The show will also be livestreamed on Facebook for those who can’t make it in person. Let’s ring in the New Year with a bang. For more information, visit the “Homer’s Crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks FANTASTICAL!!” Facebook event page. Mariner Park, Homer Spit Road.
