In some parts of the country, workers celebrate Monday as Labor Day. Here at Latitude 59 degrees and some change, where many of us work in the visitor service industry, Monday might better be called End of Labor Day. And oh boy, after this summer, a lot of exhausted, burnt out, used up, washed ashore and just plum tired workers will be looking forward to closing day on Monday.
Sure, some businesses will remain open next week, like the downtown enterprises that just keep plugging away. Out on the Homer Spit, the only sound you’l l hear Tuesday morning is hammers putting up plywood over windows or maybe a fry cook snoring away in his car after a long night celebrating at the Dawg.
It’s been a hard summer, we know, but now you can rest, and maybe look forward to some time off, perhaps with these best bets…
BEST FIRST FRIDAY BET: There are so many art exhibitions opening with Septmember’s First Friday! Two large group shows offer chances to see the breadth and depth of Alaska art at Homer Council on the Arts and Bunnell Street Arts Center. Interested in photography? Grace Ridge Brewing and Fireweed Gallery have everything a betster person could want. Want to see handmade sculptures and pottery? Check out Creative Fires Studio and Ptarmigan Arts Back Room Gallery! All of the First Friday receptions will begin at 5 p.m. Get out of the rainy weather and delve into the world of Alaska art.
BEST WHO NEEDS MR. DARCY BET: Jane Austen’s classic novel, “Pride and Prejudice,” gets a theatrical adaptation with Pier One’s production of the Kate Hamill adaptation. The play opens Friday outdoors at the Pratt Museum & Park. It’s an outdoor performance with COVID-19 precautions. Call 222-2287 to make reservations.
BEST GENEROSITY BET: The 100 Women Who Care group is meeting Sept. 7 to decide what organization will be the benefactor of the group’s generosity. The group meets virtually at 6 p.m. and will hear from three local organizations in need of support. Call 770-826-5016 for more information.
BEST HISTORICAL HOMER BET: With as much rain as is expected in this weekend’s forecast, a great outing for all is The Pratt Museum and Park! Be sure to check out The Pratt Museum and Park before the organization transitions to its fall hours next week. The Pratt will be open through this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be closed from Sept. 6-10 before reopening for their Thursday-Saturday schedule. The Pratt currently has several exhibits open, including “Microbial Worlds,” “Finding Home in Homer” and “Alaska Positive.” Visit prattmuseum.org or call 907-235-8635 for more information. The museum is located at 3779 Bartlett St.
BEST WILDLIFE BET: Want one more chance to see firsthand how Sandhill Cranes migrate and populate in Homer? The Kachemak Crane Watch is hosting its last annual count day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4, and they need help from citizen scientists to count how many cranes Betsters can find. The location, time and day the cranes were sighted can be submitted to reports@cranewatch.org or by calling 907-235-6262. Additionally, join the watch group at Beluga Slough at the end of the gravel trail on Saturday at 6 p.m. for the evening crane fly-in.
