Skywatchers, if you missed the Harvest Moon Wednesday night, go take a look tonight and you’ll get a glimpse of the almost full Harvest Moon. It’s a sight worth seeing. It’s dubbed the “Harvest Moon” because its bright light allowed farmers to harvest their crops for several more hours, according to Farmers’ Almanac. The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs nearest to the fall equinox.
While Alaska generally isn’t known for its farming, the idea of local, sustainable agriculture has been growing. So much so, that Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre declared this week “Harvest Moon Local Foods Week.” The proclamation reminds us about the health and environmental benefits of locally grown and produced foods, as well as the economic benefits. Says the mayor in the proclamation: “Eating locally helps to build a local food economy that keeps money in our communities, encouraging the growth of local food-related businesses and creating new green jobs.”
The proof of the value of growing food locally can be seen every Saturday and Wednesday at the Homer Farmers’ Market — healthy, Homer-grown produce and Homer-made products.
Homer can and should be experienced with all of our senses, including taste, and this week’s Best Bets offer those kinds of opportunities:
BEST LOCAL TASTES SO GOOD BET: Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. at Wasabi’s is the first Taste of Homer event. Nineteen different vendors have come together to give residents a chance to sample and savor local food and drink. There also will be a silent and live auction benefiting the Homer Farmers’ Market. The Homer Trolley will provide transportation between the Market and Wasabi’s between 4 and 10 p.m. It’s a great opportunity for residents and visitors to explore and celebrate local food. For more details, see page 1 of this week’s Real Estate & Business section.
BEST LISTEN CAREFULLY BET: There’s an old saying that goes something like “Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see.” The Betster’s not that cynical, but he does hope voters will go to see and hear for themselves what the candidates for Homer City Council have to say during the candidates’ forum sponsored by the Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. The forum is from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Kachemak Community Center.
BEST FEED A FISH BET: Sometimes our senses can be awakened when we try something new. The Pratt Museum’s Fish Feedings happen every Friday and Tuesday from 4-5 p.m., but when’s the last time you were there?
BEST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY BET: A new citizens group has formed to solve the lack of indoor recreational space in Homer. It’s next meeting is from 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday at the Homer Public Library. If this sounds like something you could contribute your time and talent — your senses — to, why not attend?
