Best Bets

December 26, 2024 1:30 am
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Laurie Rudy (right), board treasurer for the Anchor Point Food Pantry, and Rebecca Rudy (left) host the first night of a two-day bake sale fundraiser for the Anchor Point Food Pantry held at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Anchor Point, Alaska. Items for sale during the fundraiser were made and donated by members of the community. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Laurie Rudy (right), board treasurer for the Anchor Point Food Pantry, and Rebecca Rudy (left) host the first night of a two-day bake sale fundraiser for the Anchor Point Food Pantry held at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Anchor Point, Alaska. Items for sale during the fundraiser were made and donated by members of the community. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

The Betster hopes that all those who celebrate had a very merry Christmas! Now it’s time to look forward to the new year. What are your goals and hopes for 2025? If you’re looking for fun things to do as we say goodbye to 2024 and put our best foot forward for the next year, just check out these Best Bets!

BEST COMMUNITY RECEPTION BET: The Homer Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Homer, the Homer Cycling Club and Land’s End Resort, will host a welcoming reception for Kristen Faulkner, Homer’s Olympic gold medalist, on Friday, Dec. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Homer High School Mariner Theatre. Come help welcome Kristin back to her hometown and hear stories about her journey to the Olympic Games in Paris and becoming an Olympic champion. 600 E Fairview Ave.

BEST BARN DANCE BET: Come dance the year away with a special New Year’s Eve Community Barn Dance event! On Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the SPARC, live music will be played by the Spit City Slickers and the China Pooters, with contra, square and other dances called by Laura Patty, Rich Kleinleder and David Stutzer. All ages and skill levels are welcome, instruction will be provided. No partner necessary! Participants should bring a water bottle and clean, soft-soled shoes or wear socks. This community event is family-friendly and alcohol-free. 600 Sterling Highway.

BEST NEW YEAR’S FIREWORKS BET: Homer’s annual crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza returns for the seventh year on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. at Mariner Park! Show up early to get a good spot — parking fills up fast! In addition to fireworks and music, Captain’s Coffee will have a food truck present selling hot drinks and snacks. The show will also be livestreamed on Facebook for those who can’t make it in person. Let’s ring in the New Year with a bang. For more information, visit the “Homer’s Crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks FANTASTICAL!!” Facebook event page. Mariner Park, Homer Spit Road.

BEST WINTER BREAK CRAFTS BET: Through Jan. 3, stop by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center during open hours to make an ornament! The AMNWR Visitor Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m., but will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 for the federal holidays. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST WEEKLY SKATING BET: Did you know that Kevin Bell Arena has weekly public skating? Head over on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for ice skating! General admission is $7 per person and $3 for skate rental; members skate for free. Kevin Bell Arena also offers a variety of structured on-ice programming for the entire family. Find more information at www.kevinbellarena.org. 3150 Homer Spit Road.

BEST ARTS CHAMPIONS BET: The Alaska Arts Education Consortium is seeking nominations for the 2025 Champions of the Arts Awards through Jan. 15. This awards program formally recognizes and honors Alaskan individuals or organizations who champion the arts in education through high-caliber instruction, arts support and ongoing arts promotion. Nominations can be made in four categories: Arts Educator, Arts Leader, Arts Advocate, and Arts Student. Find more information at www.akartsed.org/Champions.

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