From the Shorebird Festival to the Writers’ Conference and the numerous events and activities in between, spring is here and there is no shortage of indoor and outdoor goings on for all ages to enjoy. Just check out these Best Bets. And Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

BEST SOUND THE ALARM BET: The American Red Cross of Alaska will “Sound the Alarm” in Homer, Ninilchik and Anchor Point on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13 with Red Cross volunteers installing free smoke alarms and providing home fire prevention information to any resident in need. If you need a smoke alarm or want information regarding fire prevention, sign up at https://bit.ly/3oJKGMZ. For additional information, call 907-406-0962, email taylar.sausen@redcross.org, or visit www.redcross.org/local/alaska.html.

BEST QUILT SHOW BET: Kachemak Bay Lions presents their annual Mother’s Day Weekend Quilt Show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 12-14 at the Homer Elks Lodge. Hours are Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Karri, 907-399-2085. Homer Elks Lodge, 215 Jenny Way.

BEST GUIDED GEOLOGY HIKE BET: The Homer Forest School presents a family-friendly geology hike with local guide and geologist Taz Tally. All are welcome to this free event on Saturday, May 13, 1-5 p.m. along the Diamond Creek trail. Bring layers, rain gear, water, snacks, sunscreen, a notebook and something to write with. Meet at the trailhead, which is located across the Sterling Highway from Diamond Ridge Road and one mile down a bumpy gravel road. Limited parking is available at the trailhead, but parking pullouts are available along the gravel road. For more information, call or text Hayley with the Homer Forest School, 505-879-4308 or visit www.homerforestschool.org.

BEST WRITERS’ CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS BET: Enjoy free community presentations by this year’s Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference presenters and faculty. On Saturday, May 13 at 8 p.m., keynote speaker Robin Wall Kimmerer, an award-winning author, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation will read from her work at the Mariner Theatre. On Sunday, May 14, 7:30 p.m., conference faculty members Jason Mott, Paisley Rekdal and Francisco Cantu will read from their work at Alice’s Champagne Palace. On Monday, May 15, 7:30 p.m., conference faculty members Sara Eliza Johnson, Reyna Grande and J. Drew Lanham will read from their work at Kachemak Bay Campus. More information about the conference and these writers online at www.writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu.

BEST MOTHER’S DAY REMEMBRANCE BET: Hospice of Homer hosts A Time for Tea & Remembering our Mothers, including inspirational readings, music, sharing, and tea and refreshments. Join other community members in honoring and remembering mothers on Sunday, May 14, noon to 2 p.m. For more information, call 907-235-6899, email office@hospiceofhomer.org or visit them online, www.hospiceofhomer.org. Hospice of Homer, 265 E Pioneer Avenue, Suite 3.

BEST BIKE MONTH BET: May is Bike Month and Homer Drawdown and Homer Cycling Club are hosting several activities during Bike/Walk to Work/School week during May 15-19, including coffee and snacks at WKFL Park from 7:30-9:30 a.m. on May 15, a film festival at 6 p.m. on May 18 at the Homer Theatre, smoothies at WKFL Park from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on May 19, and a bike safety class at Kachemak Bay Campus from 10 a.m. to noon on May 20. All activities are free and everyone is invited to participate. For more information, www.homerdrawdown.info.

BEST KIDDOS BEACH BACKYARD BET: Sprout Playgroup presents Beach Sprouts, Fridays at 11 a.m. at Bishop’s Beach. Bring your toddlers ages 0 to 5 out and join other kiddos for this free time to explore, play and celebrate the beach in our backyard. Group meets weekly rain or shine. For more information, call 907-235-6044.

BEST ART FOR ALL BET: Everyone is welcome to this weekly Artability Group, Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Homer Art & Frame. Hosted by Independent Living Center’s TRAILS program, art mentors and projects rotate and all abilities and art skills are invited to join in. For more information, contact ILC at 907-235-7911.

BEST TEEN RESOURCE & ENRICHMENT BET: The REC Room invites all teens ages 12 to 18 to stop by Mondays to Fridays, 3-6 p.m. For more information, call 907-235-3436 or in person at 3957 Nielsen Circle.