Summer is still rockin’ and rollin’ — as seen at the annual Concert on the Lawn this past weekend. The Betster bets everyone had a great time with all those selections of great music groups, and hopes y’all ain’t tired yet! There’s still plenty to do and see and experience — tours and celebrations and community gatherings. For details on what’s coming up this week, check out these Best Bets!

BEST INSPIRATION RIDGE PRESERVE TOUR BET: Are you curious about the Inspiration Ridge Preserve? Join co-founder Nina Faust, who pieced together the 700-acre preserve with her late husband Ed Bailey, for two special tours on Thursday, July 25 and Thursday, Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn the story of the preserve and see some of the hidden spots as Nina takes you along her favorite trails! Advance registration is required; tickets are between $5 and $35. For more information or to register, contact the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies at 907-235-6746 or info@akcoastalstudies.org.

BEST CELEBRATING AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT BET: The Independent Living Center in Homer is hosting their second annual Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration on Friday, July 26 from noon to 3 p.m. All are welcome for a festive barbecue, live music, lawn games, art projects and a group walk, held at the ILC office on Pioneer Avenue next to Captain’s Coffee. This event celebrates the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law in 1990 to ensure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. July is also Disability Pride Month. This free event is open to people of all ages and abilities. 265 E Pioneer Ave.

BEST GIVE YOUR LIBRARY FEEDBACK BET: This week is the last chance to give your library feedback! The Homer Public Library’s Library Needs Survey closes on July 31 — take this chance to share your thoughts on what HPL is doing well, what they could improve, and what new services the community would like to see. 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.

BEST KIDS’ SELF DEFENSE BET: The Homer Police Department will be holding a self-defense class for children ages 8-14 on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 1-3 p.m. The course will cover what kids can do if a stranger approaches, gets in their safety bubble or if someone grabs them. For questions or to register your child for the class, contact Lt. Ryan Browning at 907-235-3150 or rbrowning@ci.homer.ak.us. 625 Grubstake Ave.

BEST COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS BET: The Anchorage Daily News, Peak 2 Peak Events, and the Alaska Journal of Commerce are joining forces to celebrate the Community Impact Awards, recognizing neighborhood nonprofit organizations that have made a profound difference in the lives of Alaskans. Nominations may be submitted once daily until Aug. 19. Voting for the top 20 nonprofits will be available Aug. 23 through Sept. 16. If you have a local nonprofit you want to nominate, make sure to add them today! For more information, visit the Homer Chamber of Commerce Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HomerChamberofCommerce/.

BEST SELL YOUR WARES BET: The Anchor Point Senior Center will be hosting several yard sales on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., running through Aug. 24. Four spaces will be available for community members to rent, $20 each. For more information or to rent a space on a certain Saturday, contact 907-235-7786. 72750 Milo Fritz Ave.

BEST REFUGE STORIES BET: Join staff of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge daily at 11 a.m. to hear stories from the Refuge’s rich history. Please meet at the map in the AMNWR Visitor Center exhibit hall. This program is free, no reservations required! 95 Sterling Highway.

A message scratched in the sand by a beachgoer reads “Hi!” at Bishop’s Beach on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)