Best Bets
Published 1:30 am Thursday, April 9, 2026
The Betster went to bed one chilly but clear evening this week and woke up in the morning to more snow! Sure, it’s not exactly unexpected weather for this time of year, particularly given the recent cold snaps, but good grief, what a thing to wake up to. Anyhow, at least we weren’t snowed in — this time! Now it’s out the door for all kinds of exciting events happening soon. For details, check out these Best Bets.
BEST LOCAL GROWERS CONFERENCE BET: The Southcentral Growers Conference is back for a second year with a robust lineup of Alaska farmers and growers ready to share their unique experiences and skills essential to Southcentral growers of all levels. This year’s conference is bigger and better, with two days of programs and breakout sessions for commercial producers and small-scale home growers. The conference will run Friday, April 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with dinner and keynote speech from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This year’s Keynote Guest is Tom Zimmer of Calypso Farm and Ecology Center, who brings more than 25 years of farming and teaching to our conference. Lunch and morning snacks are included both days. Dinner is included on Friday. Meals funded in part by the Alaska Farm Bureau. Registration is $30 per day; attendees must register for each day they would like to attend. To register, visit kpc.alaska.edu/communitycourses or call 907-235-1674. 533 E. Pioneer Ave.
BEST FOOD PANTRY FUNDRAISER BET: Save the date! The Anchor Point VFW Post 10221 will host a fundraiser dinner on Saturday, April 11, from 4-6 p.m., in support of the Anchor Point Food Pantry. Stop by for appetizers, chili and cornbread, a delectable dessert auction, door prizes and a silent auction. A $10 donation is suggested. Come support the Anchor Point Food Pantry and enjoy some delicious food while you’re at it. 72551 Milo Fritz Ave.
BEST DEMOCRACY FAIR BET: In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Homer United Methodist Church Civic Engagement Group, in partnership with the Kenai Peninsula League of Women Voters and Kenai Peninsula Votes, is sponsoring a Democracy Fair on Saturday, April 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kachemak Bay Campus. The Democracy Fair’s theme is to “Celebrate, Educate, Participate.” The event will include four presentations, a reading of the Declaration, information tables, refreshments and fun activities. Learn more at www.humccivicengagement.com/. 533 E. Pioneer Ave.
BEST SANDHILL CRANE SIGHTING BET: The ambassadors of spring are coming! Sandhill cranes started their migration north at the beginning of March. Any time now, we could have an early harbinger of spring show up, but usually they start arriving after April 15. Start watching any big birds you see in the sky, and if it is a sandhill crane send your sighting to Kachemak Crane Watch. Please include the date, time, location, behavior and number of cranes observed. Please include your name, phone number and email so KCW can contact you for more details. Send reports to reports@cranewatch.org or call 907-235-6262.
BEST PLANNING AND ZONING CODE FEEDBACK BET: The City of Homer has released the Public Review Draft of its updated Title 21 zoning code and is inviting residents to provide feedback during a 45-day public comment period running through May 15. Residents can visit homert21codeupdate.com/ to download and review the draft code, find guidance on how to navigate the document and submit feedback. The website also provides access to all previous work sessions held on the Title 21 update, including topics covered and video recordings of each session, as well as information about the Title 21 Update overall process and timeline. Following the public comment period, the project team will compile, analyze, and respond to all comments received. In summer 2026, the Public Hearing Draft will be released and the adoption process will begin, including public hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council where the public can testify.
