If you think the 2014 Homer Winter Carnival is over, well, think again. The organizers spent three months planning and assembling an over-the-top “Opening Ceremonies” event which had to be rescheduled to this Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. at Mariner Park on the Spit because of snow. This being Homer it seems only right to end our Winter Carnival with the first event we had planned. 

So, Homer, it’s party time — epic style. 

BASICS: Mariner Park opens at 6. Feel free to come early to get a good spot. Dress crazy. Bring everyone you know. Be prepared to have fun. You’ve seen the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. Well, they got that from us. This party will have the same stuff, only Homerier. Torch comes in, bonfire is lit, a couple of “wow” moments — including fireworks —  then the “Parade of Participants” just like in the Olympics (except you’ll know everybody). Then at the end some kind of meaningful message and a final goose-bump moment.

The new “Mr. Homer” will be there. The Racing Outhouses will be on display, too. Take a few minutes and see how Homerful these contraptions are and meet the racing teams live and in person. Also I hope there will be hula-hooping and juggling and stuff because this is just gonna be a fun deal.

And there is one very Homer thing we’re going to try to make happen. (This may be a little self-serving, but please consider.) I hope to assemble a 100-voice choir consisting of my many musical friends, plus any members of any Homer church or school choirs (you’re all invited), plus any of the amazing singers, musicians, artists and unique people that make this place Homer. The plan is to gather everybody in front of the bonfire then have a sing-a-long of two songs. At the beginning, “The Alaska Flag Song” — then a bunch of stuff happens, and at the end, “Let There Be Peace On Earth” — right out there on the Spit under the stars. Wow. (Find the actual songs at Facebook Event “HWC Re-Scheduled Opening Ceremonies Party FEB 15 @ 7:00”)

And as we’ll be at Mariner Park (just out the Spit), if it’s a nice night we’ll have an open stage with PA available for musicians or performers after the planned event. Maybe some smaller fire pits will host smaller groups after — could be nice. 

Please pass the word around. This is the one you don’t want to miss.