Homer's best bets</MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 2:32 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2004

Homer's best bets

Photo by Ben Stuart, Homer News
Pied bagpiper Mike Toner, in the kilt, plays a tune on his bagpipes to children at Homer's Head Start Tuesday.

Yes folks, this is the time of year that makes relatives in far away lands wonder what they ever did raising you to inspire your migration to such an inhospitable climate. Of course, they don't know the beauty of ice crystals glinting in sunlight or stars twinkling in a breath-freezing night. Then again, they will start seeing crocuses soon . Hmmm. Maybe they have a point. Luckily, there's a plethora of best bets to interest even the most cabin-fever crazed among us. Check 'em out.

Best skate on and on bet:

We all know kids have an inordinate amount of energy, and this event hopes to harness some of that for a good cause. The Homer Hockey Association will hold a Skate-A-Thon fund-raiser from 2-4 p.m. at the Homer Middle School ice rink. The Mini-Mites and Mites will "skate their hearts out" for an hour to donations pledged. Free hot chocolate will be on hand. To make a donation, call 235-9394, 235-5526 or 235-2509.

Best grin and bear it bet:

The Kachemak Bay Conservation Society is bringing bears to Homer, but these ones don't have to be chased out of the Dumpster. These ones are on the silver screen, instead. The society meets at 7 p.m. Friday at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, Chris and Ken Day present "Bears," a National Wildlife Federation Imax documentary on the bears of Alaska. Call 235-8214 for more information.

Best ski on up bet:

The Ohlson Mountain Ski Tow runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. A special $5 student and children rate is being offered this week. Call 235-SNOW on Sunday morning for updates.

Best Brazilian jazz bet:

It's cold, it's dark and it's February. But fear not, for KBBI has the answer to all these woes. Jazzmania, the station's annual jazz fund-raiser, has taken on a Brazilian twist this year. The fun begins at 6 p.m. at Alice's Champagne Palace with food, music and an auction. Tickets are $20 for KBBI members, $25 for general admission. Call 235-7721 for more information.

Best First Friday bet:

Some galleries around town are still boarded up, but most are open again for 2004 and this Friday open their doors for First Friday. Check out the arts and entertainment calendar on page 17 for all the details.

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