This weekend people will gather from around the Kenai Peninsula and beyond to make the most of a long holiday weekend. From Seldovia to Ninilchik there are festivals and activities for people of all interests and all ages. So, get out and enjoy it. Catch big fish on rivers in Anchor Point and Ninilchik, dig clams, listen to music, learn to paddle a kayak. Make lots of good memories, but also, remember. Monday is Memorial Day. Wrap up the weekend with members of the VFW and a service at one of the peninsula cemeteries to honor those who have given their lives for this country.

Homer

Kachemak Bay Kayak Fest

Thursday-Tuesday

Classes for beginners and seasoned paddlers, evening talks and slide shows, opportunities to try out new gear, demonstrations and kayak socials. Complete program guides are available at the Homer Chamber of Commerce and online at www.homeralaska.org.

Monday

9 a.m., American Legion Post 16, Doughnuts and coffee.

10 a.m., Hickerson Cemetery, services.

Anchor Point

Anchor Point Memorial Day Weekend Family Fun Fes-tival

Thursday-Sunday

The festival begins with an evening cookout and finishes with a pancake breakfast. See page 11A for the full schedule of festival events.

VFW Post 10221

Saturday

8-11 a.m., coffee and pastries.

1 p.m., horseshoes tournament.

3-8 p.m., food provided by the men’s auxiliary.

4 p.m., badminton tournament.

8 p.m., music.

Sunday

8-11 a.m., coffee and pastries.

n 12:30 p.m., barbecue pork sandwiches provided by the ladies auxiliary.

2 p.m., officers installation.

3:30 p.m., more food.

7 p.m., pool tournament.

Monday

8 a.m., coffee.

10 a.m.-2 p.m., cemetery ceremonies.

Noon, Anchor Point cemetery ceremony.

5 p.m., post home, officers’ call.

King fishing on the Anchor River, Saturday-Monday.

Ninilchik

Friday-Sunday

7 a.m.-2 p.m., Ninilchik Emergency Services is holding a benefit breakfast at the Ninilchik fair grounds. Breakfast includes pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage. Adults, $9; children 6-12 years old, $5 and children five and under, free.

Monday

2 p.m., Ninilchik Cemetery, services.

King fishing on Deep Creek and Ninilchik River, Saturday-Monday.

Seldovia

Thursday-Monday

Chainsaw Carving Contest

Carvers from around the state will gather in Seldovia for four days over Memorial Day weekend. The Seldovia Chamber of Commerce invites visitors to spend a day or the whole weekend enjoying the festivities. Competition includes “Quick Carves,” that will be auctioned off after judging.

Visit www.seldovia.com for a list of places to stay and transportation options.