Homer's Best Bets </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 8:46 PM on Thursday, May 3, 2007

Homer's Best Bets

The Betster has been slow to come out of winter hibernation this year, but three separate events over the weekend may have jolted me full-boar into spring mode. First off, while walking down a local trail to the beach, I spotted a small black bear climbing an even smaller tree across the gully. That's right folks, the bears are out and about, so beware and take care of your attractants. It was down-right comical really, watching from a good distance as the poor little tree nearly bent over in half when the little guy got to the top. Second, while raking up all the rocks and dog sticks and half-eaten tennis balls out of the yard, a flock of sandhill cranes flew overhead honking what I imagined to be encouragement as only they can. And third, the Betster spent most of an entire day trolling around K-Bay looking for fish, only to get skunked, like usual, and nearly stung by a bee. At no point did the skunking or the potential stinging seem to bother me, however, because as a friend of the Betster so succinctly put it while observing the beautiful surroundings. this is why we live here. So as we enter this new month and welcome the new season, take some time to drop a line in the water or keep an eye on the sky. Be mindful of the bears and the bees. And, if all that fails to pull you out of your winter den, check out these Best Bets.

Photographer: Ben Stuart, Homer News
Spring in their steps Mariner Clarie Siekaniec hits a corner kick during the team's first home game on Tuesday>

Best cheer on the champs bet: What's better than winning a high school state softball championship? How about winning another? That's the goal of the Mariner girls this season and Homer fans can help by catching their first home games Friday at 5 and 7 p.m. at Karen Hornaday Park. The foe will be the long-time rival Kodiak Bears.

Best clean up the cosmic hamlet bet: Nothing says "we like living here" more than litter-free streets and sidewalks. Pick up a trash bag Saturday at the Homer Chamber of Commerce, the Fire Hall or Homer High School and fill it up with litter. Drop it off at the chamber from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to win prizes, enjoy refreshments and generally feel good about yourself.

Best of show bet: Got a hotrod or sweet race car you are itching to show off? Stop by the Safeway parking lot Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. for the car show. It may just be voted Best of Show by attendees.

Best fifth of May bet: Wishing you were somewhere warm right now? Here's a chance to fool yourself and wear your sombrero at the same time. The Alibi is holding Fiesta! a Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. with DJ Encyclopedia Brown.

Best Big Read Month Bet: Mayor James Hornaday is set to proclaim the start of Homer's Big Read Month on Monday at 7 p.m. at city hall. Join the event and the community-wide reading of Amy Tan's "The Joy Luck Club."

Best of mice and youths bet: English, longbow toting, winemaking expatriates living in France take over America with the Q-bomb? Sounds like our youth theater group has pulled out all the stops for "The Mouse That Roared," adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel from the 1955 novel by Leonard Wibberley. Catch a showing Friday at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday at 3 and 7:30 p.m. at the Mariner Theatre.

Best bring home a barn door bet: While fishing for giant halibut may not pick up for another month or so, there's still a chance a monster is lurking in the deep out there right now. Plus, there's a bunch of tagged halibut worth cash just waiting to be caught and monthly prizes thanks to the folks at the Homer Chamber of Commerce and the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby, which began Tuesday. Get your ticket and go fishing before the crowds hit all the hot spots.

Homer's Best Bets