Winter Carnival is a surefire way to have fun

Winter Carnival is a winner.

At a time when gray skies and dreary weather have everyone antsy and checking the calendar every five minutes to see if spring has arrived, the festival celebrates the fun of winter.

From tonight's Taste of Sandpoint, which showcases some of the best restaurants in town, to tomorrow's adult spelling bee — if you don't have a team signed up, there's still time — to a host of fun activities and events this weekend, Winter Carnival gives residents a chance to shake off a little cabin fever and have some fun while exploring some of the great places that the area is known for.

(Even if you don't have a team, stop on by and enjoy the fun. Where else can you see adults adult like kids, dressing in wacky costumes and get some great bargains on auction items? All proceeds benefit the Daily Bee's Newspapers in Education fund, which puts newspapers in local classrooms.)

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has done a great job in putting together a fun event with a little something for everyone.

Take tonight's Taste of Sandpoint, great food from restaurants from throughout the area combines with a great setting. It's the perfect way to sample the specialties of local restaurants without having to commit to just one.

Enjoy fudge and candy? Now you can feel good about your sweet tooth by taking a trip to the annual contest sponsored by the Sandpoint chapter of Wishing Star. Money raised during the event goes to help the group fulfill the wishes of local youngsters battling serious illnesses.

Instead of complaining about the weather — or the cold, or the snow, or the short days — embrace them and dive into the fun that the annual Winter Carnival celebration offers.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.