Carnival packs fun into winter
SANDPOINT — More snow is in the forecast, just in time for everyone to grab their coats, hats and gloves and warm up with some Winter Carnival festivities.
When the carnival first started in 1973, it was held in January. Unlike the snow falling this week, however, it always rained at that time, said Kate McAlister, president on the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. So it was eventually changed to February, coinciding with President’s Day weekend and winter break for Seattle area schools.
“People have been coming over here for years, skiing during that time, so we want to take advantage of that and give them opportunities to do things down in town as well,” McAlister said.
The 10-day carnival showcases the partnership between Schweitzer Mountain Resort and other area businesses, McAlister said. The unique thing about it, she said, is all of the events are planned and implemented by local businesses, except for the Parade of Lights, which is the only event organized by the chamber. The chamber also partners with the businesses for the overall event, doing promotion and advertising, and keeping everyone on track, McAlister said.
While there are events scheduled in town and on the mountain throughout the carnival, McAlister said they try to focus heavily on Schweitzer over President’s weekend, with more focus in Sandpoint the following weekend.
It all begins in town, however, with the parade on Friday.
“It’s a pretty small little parade, but it sure is fun,” McAlister said, adding that it usually lasts about 20 minutes, and then people can head to the after party and warm up with some free hot chocolate and dancing in the street. “It’s a fun little hometown thing.”
The after party, hosted by the Pend d’Oreille Winery and Fat Pig, will also feature a bonfire, performances, kids activities, live music and more. There will also be a play at the Panida Theater on Friday night, titled “Drinking Habits.”
The festivities continue Saturday and Sunday, with a full day of activities planned at Schweitzer, including a snowshoe hike, kids crafts, village campfire with complimentary treats and wine tasting. On Sunday evening, Schweitzer will host the Coca Cola “Let it Glow!” kids parade and fireworks show from 6-8 p.m. as well.
Some of the returning favorites this year include the fifth annual Winter Carnival Cornhole Classic Tournament at MickDuff’s Beer Hall on Saturday, and Eichardt’s K-9 Keg Pull, which will close out the carnival on Sunday, Feb. 24, at Matchwood Brewing.
“It’s really fun,” McAlister said of the Winter Carnival. “... It’s kind of a little lift, and I think with the fire that we had earlier this week, we just kind of need it for our spirits, to get together and make things happen.”
The Parade of Lights kicks off the festivities at 5:30 p.m. Friday, starting at the city lot at on Third Avenue between Main and Church Streets.
A full list of events with details can be found online at sandpointwintercarnival.com.
Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.