This year’s July Fourth celebration in Homer will turn an eye to the local growers that contribute to economy and food options.

The theme of this year’s parade, hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, is “Homer Grown.” Kyra Wagner, director of the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District, is this year’s Grand Marshal. She is also the director of Sustainable Homer and a longtime supporter of the Homer Farmers Market.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. and goes from Homer High School down Pioneer avenue. Participants will stop to give a short presentation in front of the parade grandstand, located at Bay Realty.

They will also be judged on their use of the theme, “Homer Grown,” the effort put into the float or display, and their level of energy.

New this year, the float and group that keeps up the high energy all the way through the end of the parade wins the “Red Gallery” award. This is based on the Red Lantern Award from the Iditarod and will be awarded to the entry that keeps up its energy while parading past the Art Shop Gallery.

Winning parade entries will get prizes in the form of “Homer Bucks” to encourage shopping at local Homer businesses.

There are a few other things for residents to take part in besides the parade. The Kachemak Pony Club will host pony rides from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday at Cottonwood Horse Park.

This is a family-friendly event that also includes face painting.

Thursday eventing is also the last time to catch the New Old Time Chautauqua vaudeville performance group in Homer. They will host a circus performance in honor of Mary Langham at 8 p.m. at the South Peninsula Athletic and Recreation Center (SPARC). The show will include juggling, acrobatics, dancing, aerials, magic, mimes, live music and talent including the Flying Karamazov Brothers.

Advance tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children and $45 for families of four and are available at the Homer Bookstore or homerart.org. Tickets are the door cost $20 for adults, $12 for children and $50 for families of four.