Proving that point is the participation in planning this year’s event.

“I’m really, really surprised and proud of the town for everybody getting so involved again this year,” Broadhead said.

Beginning on Friday and continuing through Sunday, it will be hard to walk out your door without attending a few of the events offered. Of course there are lots of choices for kids, like the Pratt Museum’s “Exploring the Wilds of Winter,” with a workshop on wildlife adaptation and tracking, a close look at crystals and snow formation, and a guided hike (weather permitting), or the venerable Paul Banks Elementary School Carnival, now in its 22nd year.

There also are plenty of ways for older members of the family to stay occupied late into the night. Homer’s pubs and brewery are rising to the occasion with live music, dart tournaments and a home-brew contest.

As is fitting, Homer’s winter sports fans will find numerous opportunities to slide on the snow and ice, or at least what’s left of it. The Homer Ice Racing Association will bravely venture onto Beluga Lake to speed in circles, the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club will hold its Wine, Cheese and Wooden Skis Tour and the Homer Hockey Rink will host the first Winter Carnival Girls’ Hockey Jamboree. (See related story, this page.)

Some events are more difficult to categorize. Chief among them is Espresso Express and Fun Air Guitars and Picks’ Air Guitar Contest. Broadhead says this is exactly why she’s proud of Homer — for getting creative.

In the heart of the celebration is Saturday’s parade, which is sponsored by AT&T.

“It’s always one of those last-minute things,” Broadhead said of who will show up at the high school to get in line by 11 a.m. Saturday, for a noon start. She knows of some surprises this year, but isn’t willing to give many away. One addition will be members of the Army National Guard from Kenai, who will present the colors at the beginning of the parade. Homer’s newly elected community award winners, Shari Daugherty and representatives from Mako’s Water Taxi, will act as parade marshals.

The parade does draw one faithful group of out-of-towners: judges provided by AT&T. They will be stationed at the reviewing stand at City Hall. From that vantage point, the judges will keep a sharp eye for entries that incorporate the carnival theme.

“They’re flying in on their own private jet from Anchorage,” Broadhead said. “They say this is one of their most fun things to do. They even get the pilots to be judges.”

And where will Broadhead be in all the excitement?