Homer's Best Bets</MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 4:22 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2002

Homer's Best Bets
At exactly 5:25 a.m. Friday, the Northern Hemisphere is scheduled to begin to tilt back away from the sun, but the Betster figures if we all jump up and down at the same time, we may be able to milk it for a few more seconds. That is, if anyone other than the sun really feels like being up at such an hour. These days, it's pretty rare to see the sky dim, but we're about to pass the point of no return when days get shorter and shadows grow longer. Maybe that's for the best. After all, we can't keep up this manic schedule forever. And anyway, the Betster figures more evening just gives you all more time to check out these best bets.

BEST FREE READ BET: Classes may be fast filling for the Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference, but the public is invited to hear several of the authors and conference participants read their works at a series of free evening performances next week at Land's End Resort. On Monday, Russell Banks, Judith Barrington, Kim Stafford and Jerah Chadwick will read. Tuesday is open mike night for conference registrants, and Wednesday, Derick Burleson, Gray Jacobik, David Long and Kathleen Dean Moore will read. All readings are held at 8 p.m. and are open to all. Call 235-7743 for more information.

BEST WILDERNESS WAYS BET: John Wolfe, co-author of "55 ways to the Wilderness," will present a slide show at the Homer Public Library at 7 p.m. Saturday. Now the Betster figures on knowing every trail from here to Anchorage, but apparently, there are new ones sprouting up all the time, and after all, we live in this state for a reason, so this is a great opportunity to get out and see some more of it. All you need is the inspiration, and that's where Wolfe's book comes in. Call 235-3180 for more information.

BEST SPAGHETTI & BELLIES BET: While you could eat enough spaghetti at this Sunday's fund-raiser for the Kachemak Bay Swim Club to make you want to shake your belly a bit, perhaps that's best left to the bellydancers who will provide entertainment during the feast. There will also be live music throughout the day. The whole event kicks off at 2 p.m. at Alice's Champagne Palace and $5 will get you fine food and best of all, from the Betster's perspective, dessert. The event continues through 7 p.m. Funds will help the swim club keep on doing what they do best.

BEST SOLSTICE IN SELDOVIA BET: With only six months to go before the darkest of days, the Betster figures it's time to get in some summer sun enjoyment and this weekend's Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival is just the ticket. Starting Friday evening at 7 p.m., a long list of talented performers of all varieties will take the stage at the Seldovia Village Tribe Tent including nationally renowned musicians Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer. Saturday, the musical fun will continue with workshops from 1-3 p.m. and at 7 p.m., the tent again draws crowds in with more concerts. Tickets for the two-day festival are $25 for adults, $15 for youth. Tickets are also available for individual workshops and performances. Call 234-7614 or visit www.xyz.net/~seldarts for more information.

BEST EVENING TEE TIME BET: Only in Alaska can a golf tournament start at 6:30 p.m., but here in Homer, we do that sort of thing. The Kachemak Bay Lynx golf course will host the Solstice Charity Golf Tournament on Friday with a barbecue and sign-up at 6:30 p.m. followed by a closest-to-the-pin contest at 7 p.m. A best-ball scramble swings into gear at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $24 at the door and proceeds go to the charity of the winner's choosing. Call 235-8640 for more information.

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