School has officially started, the cranes are getting ready to migrate, and cooler weather is hitting us all around. Soon enough we may begin to see the leaves changing into their fall colors, and it’ll be time for all the annual activities that come with the season. In the meantime, take a gander at what events are coming up this week. For details, check out these Best Bets.
BEST LOCAL AUTHOR TALK BET: Join Friends of the Homer Public Library and Alaskan author Susan Pope for a discussion of her new book, “Rivers and Ice: A Woman’s Journey Toward Family and Forgiveness,” on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 6-7 p.m. at the Homer Public Library and over Zoom. Susan Pope’s writing has been shaped by growing up in the wide and wild landscape of Alaska. Her stories reveal the tension between a desire for intimate ties to home and community, and a longing to flee to faraway places. In her memoir, she follows the threads that bind five generations of her family to Alaska. Books will be available for purchase at the event through the Homer Bookstore. For more information or to join us virtually, go to www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library/rivers-and-ice-author-talk-susan-pope. 500 Hazel Ave.
BEST CRANE WALK BET: Experience the magic of sandhill cranes staging for their annual migration with Crane Walks at Inspiration Ridge Preserve, running 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22. Crane Walks give you the opportunity to watch sandhill cranes as they gather for pre-migration staging, allowing guests to learn more about sandhill cranes from local expert Nina Faust, explore the ridge above Kachemak Bay and capture incredible photos of Alaskan wildlife. Two more Crane Walks are available on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Thursday, Sept. 5 from 6-8 p.m. All ticket proceeds benefit public education about cranes in the Homer area. For more information and to book your tour spot, visit akcoastalstudies.org/crane-walks.
BEST SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL BET: Pier One Theatre presents “Slices: A Ten-Minute Play Festival,” running for two weekends starting Friday, Aug. 23. Come and enjoy an evening of eight short plays that all run the gamut of comedy, tragedy, realism and absurdism. The festival also features five brand new works from local Homer playwrights. Shows will be held Aug. 23-25 and Aug. 29-31, at 7:30 p.m., at the Pier One Theatre on the Homer Spit. Tickets are $20 general admission with discounts available. Purchase yours at the door on the night of the show, ahead of time at the Pier One office at 332 E Pioneer Ave. Suite. #3, or by calling 907-226-2287 or reserving online at pieronetheatre.org/tickets. For more information, visit pieronetheatre.org/events/ten-minute-play-festival. 3858 Homer Spit Rd.
BEST SCAVENGER HUNT BET: Join the fun and support a great cause with the Homer Animal Friends Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser! Explore the Homer and Anchor Point areas while completing exciting challenges and snapping pictures based on the clues provided. The final scavenger hunt will take place Aug. 24-31. Register at the Homer Animal Friends Store; there is a fee of $25 per entry. Prize drawings take place on Sundays at Grace Ridge Brewing, during Yappy Hour from 4-6 p.m. Homer Animal Friends, 601 E. Pioneer Ave, Suite 109. Grace Ridge Brewing, 870 Smoky Bay Way.
BEST SUPPORT THE PRATT MUSEUM BET: The Pratt Museum is asking for your help and support! On Monday, Aug. 26, museum executive director Patty Relay will give a 10-minute presentation on the roof project to the City of Homer Capital Improvement Project Work Session, which starts at 4 p.m. This meeting will be held in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers and is open to the public, in person and via Zoom. Whether or not you can attend, the museum also asks community members to consider drafting letters of support for Capital Improvement Project Nomination with the City of Homer. Letters can be sent to the mayor’s office and city council members to help the Pratt Museum address critical infrastructure needs. For more information on the Roof System Replacement Project and how to help, visit www.prattmuseum.org/roof-replacement-project/. Homer City Hall, 491 E Pioneer Ave.
BEST HELP YOUR LIBRARY BET: The Homer Library needs your help! The Friends of the Homer Public Library are in need of additional shelving to better organize and store books for BOB the Bookmobile. If you are interested in helping FHL purchase shelving, email info@friendshomerlibrary.org or call 907-435-3195.
New and returning Homer OPUS students perform for their families with string program director Abimael Melendez during a fall semester kickoff party at Little Fireweed Academy on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting
