Best Bets

Holy spectacular spring! Between the sweet sounds of the Sandhill Cranes returning, the spectacular views of the Northern Lights dancing, the pungent smell of mud and leaves decaying, and blades of grass, rhubarb bulbs, and the first flowers of the season bursting upward, the Betster is in sensory overload. Is the snow behind us? Who knows. Is summer catapulting towards us? Absolutely! When you need a break from ogling the skies and planning your garden, check out these Best Bets for fun, educational, and entertaining events and activities for the whole family.

BEST BEAR SAFETY WORKSHOP BET: The Alaska Department of Fish & Game and Defenders of Wildlife host a free workshop on protecting yourself from bears, including information on how you can get up to $500 to install an electric fence around bear attractants. Thursday, April 27, 6-8 p.m. at the Pratt Museum & Park, 3779 Bartlett Street.

BEST YOUTH STRING CONCERT BET: A Sea of Strings – A Rising Tide of Music is a free youth music concert that will showcase more than 100 strings on stage, including members of Homer Youth String Orchestra Club, Paul Banks Preludes, Fireweed Frescoes, Chapman Eagle Ensemble, and Codas Ensemble, and conducted by Abimael Melendez. Presented by Homer OPUS, the concert is Friday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mariner Theatre, 600 E Fairview Avenue.

BEST ELECTRONICS RECYCLING BET: Bring your electronics to SBS for recycling on Saturday, April 29 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Accepted items include all computers, electronics, and vacuums. A $15 donation for TVs and Monitors is requested, but all items will be accepted regardless of ability to pay. To volunteer or schedule an appointment for a business, school, tribe, nonprofit, or government agency, contact recycle@inletkeeper.org. Sponsored by The Homer Foundation and Homer Real Estate. SBS, 3978 Lake Street.

BEST HOMER GROWTH DISCUSSION BET: Mercedes Harness and Tom Kizzia host Guiding Growth, an open forum to share ideas, history, and growth opportunities for Homer. See historical newspaper photos, share stories. A great opportunity to discuss who we are and how Homer is changing. Saturday, April 29, 4-5:30 p.m. at Christian Community Church, 3838 Bartlett Street.

BEST THANK THE TRAIL GROOMERS BET: If you’ve been out enjoying the ski trails this winter, you can thank the volunteer groomers in person during Kachemak Nordic Ski Club’s “Thank a Groomer” gathering at Grace Ridge Brewing on Saturday, April 29, 6 p.m. Enjoy food from Red Bird Kitchen’s food truck, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the brewery, and take a minute to thank those who work hard to keep the local trails accessible. Grace Ridge Brewing, 870 Smoky Bay Way.

BEST YOUTH ARTS SCHOLARSHIP BET: The Ron Senungetuk Summer Youth Arts Scholarship is open to Homer area students in grades 6 to 11. The scholarship supports student tuition to a summer arts program or private instruction for any artistic medium during the summer of 2023. Applications are available through Homer Council on the Arts, at homerart.org and must be received at HCOA by 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. Paper applications are also available to pick up Monday through Saturday at Homer Council on the Arts, 1-5 p.m. For more information, call HCOA at 907-235-4288 or stop by, 355 W Pioneer Avenue.

BEST PIER ONE AUDITION BET: Pier One Theatre is hosting auditions for Trey Parker’s “Cannibal! The Musical” On Sunday, April 30, 3-5 p.m. at HCOA. “Cannibal! The Musical” is the true story of the only person convicted of cannibalism in America – Alfred Packer who was the sole survivor of an ill-fated trip to the Colorado Territory and who in this production tells his side of the story to a reporter as he awaits his execution. HCOA, 355 W Pioneer Avenue.

BEST WALKING CHALLENGE BET: Registration is open for South Peninsula Hospital’s 7th annual Homer Steps Up community walking challenge. Walk to win with weekly drawing for Homer Bucks and end of challenge cash prizes. Join SPH PTA Emilie Otis for tips for beginner and seasoned walkers alike on Wednesday, May 3, 5:15-6:15 p.m. at SPARC. For more information on Steps Up and to register your team, visit homerstepsup.com. SPARC, 600 Sterling Highway.

BEST REPORT THOSE SANDHILLS BET: Sandhill Cranes are being spotted. Report your sightings to Kachemak Crane Watch by calling 907-235-6262 or emailing reports@cranewatch.org. This is the most reliable way to ensure your important sighting makes it into the citizen science information for the year. More information online at cranewatch.org.

BEST YOUTH COURT TRAINING BET: Kenai Peninsula Youth Court presents training classes for new Youth Court volunteers, every Monday evening through May 8, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The free classes will be on Zoom and available for any interested student from grades 7 to 12. Once completed, the classes will qualify the youth to serve as volunteer attorneys and judges in minor cases involving their peers. For more information or to register and receive the Zoom link, contact Ginny Espenshade, Kenai Peninsula Youth Court Director at 907-398-4027 or kpycalaska@gmail.com.