HOMER’S BEST BETS </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 8:01 PM on Wednesday, May 10, 2006

HOMER’S BEST BETS

Here comes the countdown to summer. Two more weeks and it will be Memorial Day weekend. Shorebird Festival is over, the birds are back, and there are green leaves starting to show up, despite the recent snow — and wind — and hail. Local businesses are opening their doors for the summer season and a few motor homes have been spotted. Get ready for the rush, because once it starts, summer goes nonstop.

Photo by Ben Stuart, Homer News
Boat building prodigy Joshua Herrod proudly displays the Wooden boat he built at the 2006 Wooden boat Festival on the Homer Spit Saturday

There are always the big summer plans: hikes across Kachemak Bay, camping trips to Johnson Lake, relatives from out of state. And then, summer seems to just get away. So don’t let it. Before the rush starts, slow down. Take time, no matter how many times you have to tell yourself, to stop and smell the roses. Maybe even grow some.

Best treat your mama right bet: Piece together a nice Mother’s Day weekend for Mom by taking her to the Kachemak Bay Quilters 22nd annual Mother’s Day Quilt Show at the Homer Elks Lodge. There’s a reason the show is so popular that it’s been around 22 years: the excellent craftsmanship evident in each of the quilts. It’s a two-day exhibit so take your time enjoying the show from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Best bet for strolling the green: Maybe it’s the green-ing. But get out your clubs and spikes, because, even with the Shorebird Festival over, you can still watch for birdies. The Kachemak Lynx Par 3 Golf Course opens on Saturday, so after catching some garage sales out East End, stop in and try out your swing.

Best bet for a trip to Vegas: It’s time for a showdown. The Alibi is holding the grand finale Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament on Sunday night. Be there at 5 p.m. to duke it out with the 100 or more expected players. The prize is a round trip for two to Las Vegas.

Best support your local Little League bet: “Benchwarmers” is playing this week at the Homer Theatre. You could probably watch it on Saturday, but Friday night is better. A portion of the proceeds from Friday’s showing of “Benchwarmers” will go to the Homer Little League Association. Show time is at 8 p.m.

Best bet to find kids clothing: Kids do grow — and grow — and grow. Looking for some summer play clothes? Check out the Paul Banks garage sale this Saturday and stock up on your summer supply. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Paul Banks parking lot.

Best bet to pay off the library: Or part of it. The Friends of the Homer Public Library is holding a benefit dinner and auction Saturday night at the Homestead Restaurant. Tickets are $100 and are available at the library.

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