Summer on the south peninsula is hopping, and the festivities are about to get even more lively. Check out what Homer, Anchor Point and Ninilchik have in store for celebrating Fourth of July next week.
Homer
July is Peony Month, per a resolution passed by the Homer City Council in May, and this year’s Fourth of July parade theme follows suit.
In accordance with Homer’s sixth annual Peony Celebration, running this year July 1 through Aug. 17, the 2025 Fourth of July parade is themed “Bloom Homer Bloom.” Rita Jo Schultz, founder of the Alaska Perfect Peony farm, will be honored as the parade’s grand marshal for her pioneering contributions to Homer’s peony industry, which according to the Homer Chamber of Commerce now includes over 25 local farms.
Community members are invited to participate in the parade by entering a float, vehicle or walking group. Entry is free; visit the chamber’s events page online or email membership@homeralaska.org to for further details on joining the parade.
The parade will commence from Heath Street at 3 p.m. next Friday and travel down Pioneer Avenue to Bartlett Street. Two judging stations will be set up along the route — one at Bay Realty’s office with Chris and Zoe Story serving as emcees, and the other at the Art Shop Gallery with Bernie Giffard as emcee. Winning parade entries will receive prizes in Homer Bucks for categories including Best of Show, Best Use of Theme, Best Car/Truck/Machinery, Best Use of Animals and Best Children’s Group.
For more information, visit www.homeralaska.org/events/fourth-of-july-parade/.
Anchor Point
The Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 will host their annual Fourth of July parade next Friday beginning at noon in Anchor Point. Community members are invited to participate; for further details on how to take part in the parade, call 907-399-6025.
Parade participants will line up at Chapman School at 11 a.m. The parade commences at noon from Greatland Worship Center, located behind Chapman at 73358 School Street, and will connect to HMS Resolution Road before turning right on Milo Fritz Avenue and ending at the VFW.
A potluck barbecue at the VFW will follow the parade, taking place from 1-4 p.m. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided; attendees are welcome to bring a shareable dish.
The fun continues on Saturday, July 5, with the annual Anchor River Duck Race. As per tradition, ducks will be launched from the Anchor River Bridge at noon; prizes will be awarded to the first, second- and third-place ducks of each color category.
Ducks are available for purchase through July 3 at the VFW and Thurmond’s in Anchor Point, the Ninilchik American Legion Post 18, and Spenard Builders Supply and VBS Heating in Homer.
For more information, find VFW Post 10221 on Facebook.
Ninilchik
The Ninilchik Rodeo returns July 5 and 6 at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds. Don’t miss out on this “family-style, historic rodeo extravaganza” with the annual beach horse race Saturday at 11 a.m. followed by Alaskan rodeo action at 2 p.m. More rodeo action will be held Sunday starting at 2 p.m.
For further details, find the Ninilchik Rodeo on Facebook.
