Homer’s Best Bets

September 9, 2021 1:30 am
The Russian three-masted wooden vessel “Pilgrim” is moored at the Homer Harbor on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. The project of twin brothers brothers Sergey and Alexander Sinelnik, Pilgrim is a wooden-boat reproduction of a 17th century Russian sailing ship and has been sailing around the world since its construction in 2015 and launch in 2017. It arrived in Homer last week after sailing up the Inside Passage from Ketchikan. For more information on the ship, visit ww.http://www.sinelniki.ru. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
The Russian three-masted wooden vessel “Pilgrim” is moored at the Homer Harbor on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. The project of twin brothers brothers Sergey and Alexander Sinelnik, Pilgrim is a wooden-boat reproduction of a 17th century Russian sailing ship and has been sailing around the world since its construction in 2015 and launch in 2017. It arrived in Homer last week after sailing up the Inside Passage from Ketchikan. For more information on the ship, visit ww.http://www.sinelniki.ru. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Well, it’s over. Sure, some Spit businesses will hang in there through September, if not longer. Fishermen will continue to head out for good eatin’ halibut and sea-bright king salmon. Actually, some fishermen will fish until their lines freeze solid. Most of our summer tourist industry workers have called it a day.

You might see an intrepid camper on the Spit. The really adventurous tourists will even visit into the winter, because they know our secret. Homer is just as cool a place beyond the summer months as it is in those glorious days. Sure, you have long daylight hours, a bit of warmth and wildflowers galore. No one can argue with that.

Now, though — now we buckle down to the real Homer experience. Road construction should end soon. House construction will shift indoors as carpenters get those foundations laid and buildings closed in. Our attention will turn inward: reading books by a cozy fire, small meals with friends in our COVID-19 bubble, and time to relax and slow down.

Soon enough it will snow and we can get outdoors again, skiing and snowmachining. Now is the time to stay inside if it’s raining, head out for walks in the autumn glory if we’re graced by sunshine. As Reuben Call, The Walker, put it, “Slow down. What’s the hurry?”

Rest, relax and regroup, maybe with these best bets.

BEST REMEMBRANCE BET: While the Betster usually keeps Best Bets events fun and lighthearted, they would be remiss to not encourage a moment of silence and remembrance for the 2,996 lives lost during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. This Saturday, at 8 p.m. at the flag poles in front of McDonald’s, the Homer Kachemak Bay Rotary Club and the American Legion Post 16 will host a memorial service in honor of the 9/11 victims, their families and the country. Flags will be raised that morning and retired with the playing of “Taps” that evening.

BEST BURNING BASKET BET: Recover means many different things to people. Recovery from an illness or recovery from a bad experience – the recovery of a community, even. The annual Burning Basket, themed “recover,” returns this weekend and artist Mavis Muller has invited the community to gather at Mariner Park on the Homer Spit to place items in the basket representing their recovery that will be lighted and burned Sunday evening. The basket has been built in segments and will be transported to Mariner Park on Friday for assembly. Participants can begin pinning notes and items to the basket on Friday. Conscious of the current high COVID-19 case numbers, Muller has made some changes to the usual Burning Basket experience. People will be encouraged to wear face masks and spread out. She suggested people write the word “recover” on their masks as well.

BEST PLAY BET: Pier One Theatre’s production of Pride and Prejudice closes this weekend with performances Sept. 9-11 at the Pratt Museum and Park! Adapted from the Jane Austen novel by Kate Hamill, it is directed by Jennifer Norton and Laura Norton. Performances are at 7 p.m. Be warned, this is not the Austen you may be familiar with… Dramatists Play Service wrote “Bold, surprising, boisterous, and timely, this P&P for a new era explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life.” It will be an outdoor performance, and face masks are required, with pod seating. Tickets are by reservation only at 907-226-2287. The Pier One production features Maura Jones as Mrs. Bennet, Ken Landfield as Mr. Bennett, Rebecca Trowbridge as Jane, Clara Stading as Lizzy, Liam James as Mary and servants, Katie Holmes as Lydia, Zeb Perkins as Darcy, Olivia Glasman as Bingley, Judith Kramer as Miss Bingley, Brian Duffy as Mr. Collins, Ingrid Harrald as Charlotte, Tom Custer as Wickham and Miss de Bourgh and Peter Norton as Lady Catherine.

BEST CHECK IT OUT: Have a little sniffle? Running a temperature? Have you been in close contact with someone who has tested positive to COVID-19? It might be nothing, but put your worries to rest and help stop community spread by stopping by a pop-up testing clinic 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Fritz Creek General Store parking lot. No appointment is necessary. Participants will enroll on a tablet at time of testing, and get results via email or in the covid secure app. For more information, contact the Homer Public Health Office at 235-8857. Capstone Clinic holds the event.