By Delcenia Cosman
Homer Independent Press
Anywhere else, Saturday’s rain might have put a damper on this year’s Fourth of July festivities. But in true Alaska fashion, folks on the southern Kenai Peninsula turned out in force to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, decked out in rain gear and accessorized in red, white and blue.
The Homer parade had more than 55 entries, and hundreds of residents and tourists alike crowded Pioneer Avenue to view the many floats, vehicles and walkers.
As is custom, participants in the Homer parade have a chance to win prizes in Homer Bucks for their entries. This year’s winners by category, announced Monday by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, are:
Best of Show: Rooted Tree Service, $75 Homer Bucks
Judges’ Favorite: Homer Little League, $75
Best Use of Theme: Homer United Methodist Church, $75
Children’s Group: Homer Little League, $75
Animals: Paws for America / Homer Animal Friends, $50
Performing Arts: Alaska Japanese Club Homer, $50
Cars and Trucks: Rooted Tree Service, $50
A community picnic followed the Homer parade, featuring food, live music, entertainment and a blue ribbon competition for community members to show off their best edible goods (and flowers). Saturday’s winners are:
Best Local Pie: Shelly Fraley (Rhubarb Salmonberry Crisp)
Sweet Preserve: Jackie Gonzalez (Crabapple Jelly)
Relish/Sauce/Salsa: Adventure Harvest (AK Spice Mix Dip)
Kids Baked Good: Maren Steen (Bagel Bites)
Pickled Product: Lindsay Trieweiler (Candied Jalapenos)
Flowers: Morgan and Matilda Wertz (Lilacs)
Best in Show: Willy Dunne (Pickled Salmon)
First-place winners in each category received $25 in Homer Bucks and a first-place blue ribbon.
As the winner of Best in Show, Dunne also received a trip for two across the bay from Bay Excursions in addition to his first-place blue ribbon.
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