This year is the 13th anniversary of the Homer Burning Basket celebration.
If you’re not familiar with the tradition, each fall, community members gather plants and other natural materials to create a large woven basket in Mariner Park. They decorate the basket, tucking personal notes inside. Once it’s complete, the basket is set on fire.
Local artist Mavis Muller started the Homer Burning Basket celebration in 2004. She says it symbolizes different things for different people.
“Some see as a celebration of the changing of the seasons. Some see it as a celebration of creativity and imagination,” said Muller.
Over the years, the Burning Basket has become an important tradition in the Homer community, says Muller.
“It’s festive, celebratory, and deeply meaningful for people,” said Muller.
A number of Homer residents have stopped by to add personal touches to the basket this week, including students from Fireweed Academy and Little Fireweed.
Saturday, September 10 is the last day to help build the basket. It will be burned on Sunday, September 11 as part of a community-wide event.
During the Basket Burning, there will be drumming and a fire spinning performance. Community members are encouraged to bring their own percussion instruments to play during the event.