We’re going into another cold week, Betster persons, all the more reason to gather together (safely!) with family an friends and enjoy these best bets:
BEST HOLIDAY SHOPPING BETS: Have you purchased all of your holiday gifts this season? If not, check out all of the local Black Friday deals at stores in Homer! With discounts galore, there are options for every special person you’re buying for this year. Additionally, the Homer Chamber of Commerce Shop Local campaign, Think BIG Shop Small, begins this Saturday, Nov. 27. Local businesses are offering major discounts this weekend, and some even extend through Christmas! Participating businesses are Captain’s Toy Chest, Art Shop Gallery, Homer Truffle Company, Fireweed Gallery, The Homer Bookstore, Bear Creek Winery & Lodging, Ptarmigan Arts, Wagon Wheel Garden & Pet, Homer Art and Frame, Baycrest RV Park K.O.A., Homer Saw and Cycle, Blue Urchin, Sweetgale Meadworks & Cider House, Ulmer’s Drug & Hardware and The Grog Shop. Fill up on good food this Thanksgiving so you’re ready to shop til you drop on Saturday!
BEST NUTCRACKER BET: Tickets are on sale for the 33rd annual Homer Nutcracker Ballet! Tickets can be purchased in the Wild Berry Building on Pioneer Avenue in Homer on Mondays and Fridays from 3-6 p.m. and at River City Books in Soldotna. The Homer Nutcracker Ballet has four shows scheduled at Homer High School for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. Tickets cost $17 for adults and $12 for youth and can be purchased with cash or checks. Masks are required at all shows and when purchasing tickets. Seating in a vaccinated section will also be available.
BEST HOLIDAY SPIRIT BET: Want to share the holiday spirit and help a neighbor in need? Share the Spirit, a local nonprofit organization, holds several events this season to provide food and presents for families in need. Share the Spirit has families up for adoption for groups to provide Christmas presents and food for, gift trees that will be placed in local stores with needed items on the tag to be purchased for children, a spaghetti feed planned for Dec. 14 and more! Call 907-235-7466 to see how you can get involved.
BEST SOCCER BET: Interested in becoming a soccer coach? Homer United FC is looking for new coaches to get certified and coach competitive teams. Obtaining an online certification to coach is just a few clicks away. For more information, contact HUFC@admin@homerunitedfc.org.
BEST WRITING BET: The deadline for the 24th annual Kenai Peninsula Writers’ Contest is quickly approaching, so get your pens ready and write! The contest deadline is Dec. 10. Peninsula residents of all ages are invited to submit their best poetry, fiction and nonfiction pieces for a chance to win prizes such as cash, Homer Bucks and local gift certificates. Each category and division will award first, second and third place prizes. The categories include poetry, fiction and nonfiction in age divisions for adults or open, grades K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Each submission has an entry fee of $10 for the adult/open category and $3 for grades K-12. Find out more about the contest at homerart.org/writers-contest.
The moon is about halfway through an eclipse at about 11:20 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, as seen from Diamond Ridge near Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
