Carnival gets to heart of Homer winter

D

espite gray skies, there were brilliant smiles last weekend as residents turned out to celebrate the Homer Winter Carnival and its “warm winter hearts” theme, a nod to Valentine’s Day.

Parade Winners

The Homer Winter Carnival parade entertained spectators up and down Pioneer Avenue on Saturday, with Master of Ceremonies Darrel Oliver announcing each entry that stopped before the judges’ stand. The parade was sponsored by Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, with employees Alita Mahan, Melanie Mach and Helen Phipps serving as judges.  

 

Best nonprofit: Krewe of Gambrinus, $400 Homer bucks

 

Best individual-family: Chinese New Year Dragon Dancers, $200 Homer bucks

 

Best for-profit: NOMAR, $125 Homer bucks

 

Judge’s Choice: Homer Senior Citizens, $125 Homer bucks.

 

Grand marshal of the parade was King Hal, a disguised Bryan Zak, who shared his ride with the Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center’s new executive director, Karen Zak.

 
The Mr. Homer crown passes to Daniel George Gallagher from 2014 Mr. Homer Lucas Thoning.-Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

The Mr. Homer crown passes to Daniel George Gallagher from 2014 Mr. Homer Lucas Thoning.-Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

Rocky Berg, Troy Parsons, Kaleb Long, Meghan Kerlin and Sadie Millard toast with a taste of Piehole Whiskey at the start of the Sunday pie-eating contest at Down East Saloon.-Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

Rocky Berg, Troy Parsons, Kaleb Long, Meghan Kerlin and Sadie Millard toast with a taste of Piehole Whiskey at the start of the Sunday pie-eating contest at Down East Saloon.-Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

Tiana Hopper and her backpack buddy, Malia, offer a cup of imaginary tea from the Imagination Library parade float. -Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

Tiana Hopper and her backpack buddy, Malia, offer a cup of imaginary tea from the Imagination Library parade float. -Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

The Queen and King of Hearts, Catriona and Derek Reynolds, greet their subjects during Saturday’s parade.-Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

The Queen and King of Hearts, Catriona and Derek Reynolds, greet their subjects during Saturday’s parade.-Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

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