Best Bets

It seems we barely had time to catch our breath after one holiday before being launched into the next.

Can the holiday carols really be dominating the airwaves already? Can the Homer Nutcracker really be taking to the stage this very weekend??

It appears so, Homerites. No sooner did we put away our pumpkin spiced candles and finish off the last morsels of Thanksgiving turkey than Ole Saint Nick descended upon us with his jolly cheer and voracious appetite for baked goods. The Betster hopes you’re ready.

Now’s the time when so many fun, family-oriented holiday activities start surfacing. Ice skating, snowman building, holiday bazaars and more.

It’s also still a good time to remember those less fortunate and use the season of giving to give to those who are truly in need.

Need some holiday inspiration? Take a look at this week’s Best Bets:

BEST REMEMBRANCE BET: The holiday season can often reminds us of friends and family who are no longer with us. Join Hospice of Homer at 6 p.m. Friday at WKFL Park to light a candle in memory of your lost loved one. A reception will be held afterward at Hospice of Homer. You may opt to bring a story, poem, piece of art, memento, song or memory to share.

BEST BETTER LATE THAN NEVER BET: Do you, like the Betster, sometimes procrastinate when it comes to finding the perfect gift for those special someones in your life? Well, lucky for you, that seems to be the case with a lot of Homerites, because the Nutcracker Faire is held just in time for the holidays each year. Head to the Homer High School Commons on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and peruse gifts from vendors near and far.

BEST BLACKWATER BET: Blackwater Railroad Company is bringing it back to Homer for not one, but two nights this weekend. Their music can be defined in many ways, but the overreaching themes include folk, bluegrass, rhythm and blues and country songwriters from the late ‘60s and ‘70s. BWRR specializes in upbeat, unique covers and catchy originals. Shows are at 9 p.m. both Friday and Saturday at Alice’s Champagne Palace. Tickets for Friday cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets for Saturday cost $12.50 in advance and $15 at the door. They are available for purchase at The Homer Bookstore, Old Inlet Bookshop & Alice’s Champagne Palace.

BEST BALANCE IS BEST BET: Join South Peninsula Hospital and Patte Doran, RDN, at 9 a.m. Saturday at SPARC (600 Sterling Hwy next to Homer Middle School) for the next “Walk with a Doc.” All are welcome for Patte’s brief talk on staying healthy and enjoying your Holiday treats and spend the rest of the hour walking at your own pace, chatting and asking any questions. This is a free event, open to all ages and abilities. There is parking up at the SPARC and down below in the Homer Middle School Parking lot as well as a newly paved walking path from the Middle School parking lot. Find out more on Facebook or our page on the Walk with a Doc National website. There will be free blood pressure screenings, prizes and refreshments. Please bring clean indoor walking shoes. Email wellness@sphosp.org, or call the Health & Wellness Department at (907) 235-0970 with questions or for more information.