Get ready for some Winter Carnival fun, fellow citizens. 

For years the Homer Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the Winter Carnival parade because that was the amount of time and effort we could put forth while we also prepared for the Winter King Salmon Tournament (March), Cleanup Day (April), Get To Know Homer (May), and the chamber’s biggest fundraiser, the Jackpot Halibut Derby (May to September).

This year, however, a citizens’ committee got things rolling with a vision of producing a Winter Carnival from time past. Genny and Dean Miller, Dax Radtke, and a score of others decided to come together to bring back the outhouse races, Mr. Homer pageant and other events to make the carnival something to remember and talk about again.

I’m asking our chamber members to support this effort by purchasing and/or selling the fun buttons they’ve produced. In the chamber’s ad today in the News, you’ll see what businesses are selling them, and you’ll find a schedule of all the events planned. 

I’m asking residents to come support the effort too. Buy a button, offer to pitch in on the costs the committee has spent for their part in the carnival, then come out and be a reveler. 

I mean, who would miss out on watching the outhouse races?

Jim Lavrakas is the executive director of the Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.