The Betster can agree for once — it sure feels like summer out there! Hopefully everyone stayed hydrated and kept plenty of sunscreen on as they enjoyed all that lovely, warm sunshine that graced the lower peninsula last weekend. Don’t fret, though — the summer festivities are far from over! To find out what’s going on next, check out these Best Bets!
BEST COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER BET: The second sale for the Homer Alaska Community Bazaar, a series of events to raise funds for the Homer Foundation Peony Gardens Beautification Fund, will take place at Grace Ridge Brewery on Saturday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This initiative will support the maintenance of existing gardens and the expansion of these blossoming beauties along Pioneer Avenue and throughout Old Town Homer. Everything plus plants from Baycrest Greenhouse will be for sale, and those attending will also get the chance to try a sneak taste of Grace Ridge Brewing’s new Peony Celebration Brew! Organizers are asking community members to donate gently used quality goods for the sales; items can be dropped off at the Art Shop Gallery until June 20, or at Grace Ridge Brewery the day before the event. For more information, visit www.homerfoundation.org/peony-gardens-beautification-fund/. Grace Ridge Brewing, 870 Smoky Bay Way. Art Shop Gallery, 202 W. Pioneer Ave.
BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY WALK BET: Join Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on their Family Beluga Slough Walks, held weekly on Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. The next walk will take place on June 26; meet at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Learn about the plants, birds and geology of the bay and the long-term monitoring programs that KBNERR has been leading for the past 10 years. For more information, contact Ingrid Harrald at 907-299-4370 or ieharrald@alaska.edu. 95 Sterling Highway.
BEST YOGA ON THE SPIT BET: Are you looking to be active this summer? Check out Yoga on the Spit, classes held outside on Wednesday evenings from 5-6 p.m. at the Boathouse Pavilion! The next session will take place on June 26. Instructor Joanna Fonkert will be leading drop-in classes for participants ages 14 and older, with a focus on Ashtanga style flow. Bring a mat, water and warm layers. Classes are by donation; for more information on registration and payment, visit www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/com-rec/yoga-spit-june-2024. For questions about the class, contact Joanna at 59degreesfromcentered@gmail.com. Homer Spit Rd.
BEST QUILT EXHIBIT BET: Each year, the Kenai Peninsula Quilting Guild issues a challenge to its members to create a mini — meaning no bigger than a twelve-by-twelve-inch square — quilt in a specific theme. The theme for 2024 is “Texture.” These quilts are exhibited throughout the summer at various locations in Seward, Soldotna, Kenai and Homer. Eighteen quilts are currently on display at Grace Ridge Brewery through June. For more information on the Quilting Guild, visit kpqg.org/. Grace Ridge Brewery, 870 Smoky Bay Way.
BEST FOOD PANTRY HELP BET: If you’ve got too much fish and not enough room to store or ship it, the Homer Community Food Pantry will happily take it off your hands! Drop off your extra fish at Homer Fish Processing and walk away knowing you’ve done a good thing. 1302 Ocean Dr.
BEST GIVE YOUR LIBRARY FEEDBACK BET: The Homer Public Library has launched a Library Needs Survey, open until July 31, and they want your feedback! The Library Advisory Board is conducting a review of library services and activities. Your comments, both positive and negative, will inform the library’s plans and goals over the coming years. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to fill out; find the survey online at www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library/library-needs-survey.
