It's time to play at Winter Carnival

Maybe it could be called "Where is Winter? Carnival" this year.

In fact, the past few years have not been kind to planners of Sandpoint's Winter Carnival.

This year, Mother Nature threw us another snow-filled curveball. The past Sunday and Monday dumped about as much winter fury at us as most of us had seen in quite a few years.

Schweitzer was ecstatic, winter lovers were in heaven and new transplants were on the phones looking for the Realtors who promised them mild winters.

But, alas, the pineapple express of pineapple expresses hit Tuesday and shows no sign of abating.

So what are we to do? How about have the best Winter Carnival ever!

Tonight's Taste of Sandpoint kicks off this weekend with the best Sandpoint has to offer. Sandpoint's restaurants are known for quality and The Taste gives chefs a chance to strut their stuff. The Taste runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Coldwater Creek, Cedar Street Bridge.

Many downtown businesses will have open houses this weekend.

On Friday the Winter Carnival Parade of Lights kicks off at the city parking lot at 5 p.m. This parade is so great, the participants go around the route twice.

Grand Marshal and Sandpoint Man of the Year, Dan Young, will also be introduced. A strict time limit of two minutes to allow Young to speak and to thank his hometown for this honor.

Young, who has a wicked sense of humor and a heart as large as Lake Pend Oreille, was the consensus choice to preside over the parade. Come meet Young, his proud parents and enjoy some imaginative floats downtown.

A few of the other highlights include: Saturday: Chili cookoff, Bonner Mall, 10 a.m.; fun at the Fairgrounds, noon.

Sunday: K-9 Keg pull behind Eichardt's. TBA

Check the Web at: Sandpointwintercarnival.com for more information.

Let's all have a ball.

David Keyes is publisher of the Bee.