Don’t let the rain and cold get you down! There’s plenty coming up on the calendar to keep you active — for details, check out these Best Bets!

BEST GARDEN BED BUILDING BET: Stop by Kachemak Bay Campus on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 4-6 p.m. to take part in “Growing Strawberries Without Bending Over.” In this free event, learn to build raised beds that are ergonomic and accessible, affordable, compact, and easy to build. These beds are ideal for strawberry growing, either for personal or commercial use. For more information, call 907-235-1674. 533 E Pioneer Ave.

BEST LIVE READING BET: 49 Writers presents a reading featuring Mieke Eerkens, instructor for the 2024 Tutka Bay Writers Retreat, on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus. In this free event, open to the public, Eerkens will read from her book, “All Ships Follow Me,” about her parents’ experiences in WWII and the inheritance of trauma. For more information, visit 49writers.org. 533 E Pioneer Ave.

BEST CHESS TOURNAMENT BET: Are you a chess enthusiast? Chapman School is hosting a tournament on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon in Anchor Point! This event is open to all ages; the tournament will be divided into three age brackets including Grade 3-5, Grade 6-8 and Grade 9 through adult. Registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 19 — better hurry! To register, contact Andy Haas at 907-299-7788. 34215 Sterling Highway.

BEST BARN DANCE BET: Homer’s monthly barn dance is back! The first dance of the season will take place at the SPARC on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 7:30-10 p.m. Rich Kleinleder will call to live music from the China Pooters. Contra, square and circle dances will be called, as well as mixers and waltzes. All ages and skills levels are welcome, instruction provided. No partner necessary. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes. 600 Sterling Highway.

BEST GARDENING WORKSHOP BET: Did you know that there are over 30 orchid species native to Alaska? Are you curious to learn more? Join the Pratt Museum on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1-3 p.m. for a class guide by head gardener Shawn Jackinsky on propagation techniques and specific garden conditions that held orchids like Spotted Ladies Slipper, Bog Candle, Ladies Tresses and Green Bog Orchid thrive in your garden! Space is limited, register online at www.prattmuseum.org/events/category/workshops/. 3779 Bartlett St.

BEST CHILD SCREENING BET: The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Child Find Program and Sprout Infant Learning Program will be offering free screening in motor skills, speech, early learning concepts, vision and hearing for children 0-5 year old (not yet in kindergarten). Screenings will be held in Homer at Paul Banks Elementary School on Monday, Sept. 30 and are by appointment only. To make an appointment for your child to for more information, contact Kelli Creglow at 907-260-5148.1340 East End Road.

BEST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER BET: Ninilchik’s Saturday Lunch Program will host their annual fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ninilchik Community Center. The cost for a meal — barbecue pork sliders and delicious sides — is $10. A vegan option is also available. There will also be a silent auction and live auction, including desserts, during the event. Donated items for the auctions are appreciated! Funds raised during this event will provide weekend snack bags for all elementary students and optional teen take-and-make meals. For questions, contact Linda Hawkins at 907-240-5212. 15763 Kingsley Road.