Alas, we won’t have the Winter Carnival Parade again this year, but there’s still lots to do this weekend for carnival with these best bets:
BEST WINTER CARNIVAL BET: The 68th Homer Winter Carnival is here, and there are so many ways to enjoy the celebration! While the Winter Carnival Parade was canceled, there are still many events that the whole family will enjoy. Want to enjoy some good basketball games? The Sons of the American Legion are hosting the Winter Carnival Basketball tournament between the Homer Mariners, Ninilchik Huskies, Galena Hawks and Redington Huskies, beginning Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. The tournament continues through Saturday, and day passes cost $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students, and veterans receive free admission.
On Friday, the contestants of the 2022 Mr. Homer competition will need support at Justin Cole’s East End Saloon! The competition begins at 7 p.m. and contestants will be judged on their unique talents, a Q&A session with the judges and swimwear.
There are several events on Saturday to enjoy. Check out the Pratt Museum & Park’s new exhibits from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate! The next exhibits include Lisa Williams’ “Native Ways In Changing Times” in the special exhibit gallery and “Homer’s Nutcracker: A Community Portrait,” by Rafael de la Uz in the Community Gallery.
Want to test out your trivia skills? Sign up for the Homer-Kachemak Bay Rotary Club’s Fourth nearly annual Cranium Cup Saturday night at Alice’s Champagne Palace and compete against other community members all looking to score the Cranium Cup trophy.
Saturday is going to be chilly, so why not warm up with some chili? Faith Lutheran Church is hosting the Winter Carnival Chilly Day Chili to-go fundraiser on Saturday, but orders must be placed by Thursday, Feb. 10! There will be four types of chili to choose from, including beefy bean, spicy beef, Weber’s Wild Alaskan chili and vegetarian. An 8 ounce serving of chili costs $4, 16 ounces costs $6 and 32 ounces costs $10. Orders can be placed at
On Sunday, weather permitting, the Beluga Lake Ice Races will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
BEST HIGH TUNNEL BET: Are you thinking about getting a high tunnel? Are you looking to buy or build from scratch? Are you looking for funding to help? Are you ready to get started or still just thinking about it? Join Homer Soil & Water and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service this Thursday night at 6 p.m. to learn tips and considerations for having a high tunnel. The virtual lesson will cover the NRCS program, site considerations, common building and maintenance issues, as well as things to plan for when determining a management style. Homer Soil & Water Conservation District manager Kyra Wagner will lead the discussion and any questions can be sent to monica@homerswcd.org. No registration is necessary to join the talk. Visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86316717586 to listen in.
BEST PAINT AND SIP BET: Bear Creek Winery and Lodging is hosting a paint and sip class this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. where participants will enjoy a wine tasting and receive step by step instructions on the painting of Heart Cove. The class costs $40 per participant, which includes a 14 x 18 pre-sketched canvas, apron, individual tablecloth, napkins, an easel, paints, brushes, bowls and wine tasting. Masks are required while painting.
BEST 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION BET: There is still time before Mr. Toras Fisk’s 100th birthday to send him a card! Fisk is a World War II veteran and Homer local who will turn 100 next Tuesday, Feb 15. In honor of his birthday, friends and family have asked that 100 people send him birthday cards to celebrate the momentous occasion! Send cards to Toras Fisk 58775 East End Road Homer, AK 99603.
