Best Bets

April 26, 2018 11:16 am
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Local resident Theresa Engebretsen’s boxer, Miller, has a peaceful interaction with two moose Sunday, April 22, 2018 at her house in Homer, Alaska. They touched noses six or seven times and then hung out for awhile, Engebretsen said. “I’ve never seen an interaction like this with a dog and moose,” she said. (Photo by Theresa Engebretsen)
Local resident Theresa Engebretsen’s boxer, Miller, has a peaceful interaction with two moose Sunday, April 22, 2018 at her house in Homer, Alaska. They touched noses six or seven times and then hung out for awhile, Engebretsen said. “I’ve never seen an interaction like this with a dog and moose,” she said. (Photo by Theresa Engebretsen)

Spring has sprung!

And with it, all that mud and gunk that spent months in the back of your mind and covered by snow. The Betster has noticed far more frequent trips to the car wash, and far more exposed potholes to navigate these days.

And, of course, there’s the ever-present odor undulating from the Beluga Slough to remind us what time of year it is. Yes, it appears winter is finally, blessedly behind us, Homerites.

Now is the time to plan those long family weekends, those kayak and camping trips, those summer vacations. If you need some inspiration, take a look at these best bets:

BEST BEER BET: Most people would agree that pizza and beer rock. Well, now you can combine those with actual rocks. Grace Ridge Brewery will host “Pizza, Beer and Rocks” from 5-7 p.m. on Friday. Folks can stop by the brewery for some wood-fired pizza, with all proceeds going to support Homer Folk School. The school’s foundational membership drive also continues at the event. Founding members will get to choose a “folk rock” painted by local artist Donna Ridener and all members will receive half-off their pizza.

BEST BREW BET: Love the tangy taste of kombucha, but hate paying for it? You’re in luck! The next Thriving Thursday is on making your own kombucha, with Kay Shoemaker Howell, UAF Assistant Professor of Science Cooperative Extension Services. Kombucha is a micro-brewed tea that gives you energy, helps with digestion and is really fun to experiment with. Try your hand at making this ancient recipe and blend your own teas with a variety of flavors. This event takes place from 6-8 p.m. tonight.

BEST NEVER FORGET BET: Prince will still be alive and well this Friday at the Alibi. The bar presents a Prince Tribute Party at 9 p.m. This will be a special celebration of the life and music of the one and only Prince, with special performances featuring remixes and original Prince songs spun by local DJs. There is no cover for this event, but don’t let that dissuade you from dressing in your best purple costumes and dancing the night away.

BEST BIKE BET: Cycling and safety abound at the annual Safe and Healthy Kids Fair being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Homer High School. This is a free, fun event for children of all ages to focus on safety, health and wellness. The fair offers more than 30 booths and stations with hands on activities and demonstrations. Loads of door prizes are given away throughout the free fair, including the grand prize giveaways at 1:30 p.m. of a tricycle and bicycles. A bike rodeo will take place in the school parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids can bring their bikes for a free inspection to get ready for safe summer fun. Helmets are required, and are available for purchase on site. Free test rides on the drunk-driving simulator ATV cart are offered throughout the day in the parking lot. This year’s theme is “Giving Back”! Donations of non-perishable food and sundries will be accepted for the Homer Food Pantry and diapers of all sizes for Sprout Family Services.

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