Staff Report

Among those participating in Saturday’s 72nd Annual Winter Carnival Parade is the 2026 Mr. Homer: Scott Lynn, the deputy clerk for the city of Homer.


He was named last Saturday at a ceremony at the Down East Saloon, besting eight others for the title. His winnings include a sash, a cape made of Crown Royal bags and a fake key to the city.


Lynn, who has been in Homer since 2023, lived in Cooper Landing eight years before then. Participating in the Mr. Homer competition just sounded like fun, he said. In the parade, he’ll be trailing the Krewe of Gambrinus, an integral part of the Winter Carnival celebration for more than 30 years.


Lynn and the Krewe of Gambrinus will be two of approximately 30 entries in the annual parade produced by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, which starts at noon Saturday from Homer High School. Those participating in the parade are asked to line up at the school beginning at 11 a.m.


One of the parade highlights will be the big reveal of the chamber’s raffle boat. The parade will be the first time the Bay Weld Cuddy Cabin will be seen by the public. The 26-foot-by-8.5-foot monohull is longer and wider than previous boats and is suitable for overnight outings, said Brad Anderson, executive director of the Homer Chamber of Commerce. It’s valued at more than $200,000. 


Raffle tickets are $100 each and available now at the chamber and will be available online soon, said Anderson. The chamber will pay the taxes on the boat.


The boat is a collaborative effort, said Anderson. Bay Weld built the boat. The motors come from All Seasons Honda. Southcentral Radar put in the electronics package. Aurora Trailers supplied the trailer. NOMAR is making the cushions, and Kachemak Gear Shed is helping with the toilets and heater.


In addition to the parade, other winter carnival events happening this weekend include:


• Homer Adult Basketball League Playoffs, at Homer High School;


• Friday Night Lights: Public Skating at Kevin Bell Arena, 4:15-6:15 p.m. Friday;


• The Winter Carnival Homebrew Contest at the Bidarka Inn, 2-6 p.m. Saturday;


• The Second Saturday at the Pratt Museum, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, free;


• Pier One Theatre’s “The Creel” at Homer Council on the Arts, 7-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday;


• Coffee and Craft Open Studio at HCOA, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday;


• The Great Backyard Bird Count at the Wynn Nature Center, 1-3 p.m. Sunday;


• Curling at the Kevin Bell Arena, 7-9 p.m. Sunday, $20 drop-in fee.