Winter Carnival fun on tap

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and area businesses are excited to announce the 46th annual Winter Carnival.

Running Feb. 15-24, Winter Carnival offers 10 days of family fun and activities throughout Sandpoint and Schweitzer Mountain. The festivities will kick off with the Parade of Lights on Friday, Feb. 15, at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Sandpoint.

The downtown Parade of Lights, sponsored by Ting, offers businesses, organizations and individuals a chance to show off their local pride, creativity, and playful side.

Chamber officials are seeking themed floats, groups, marching brigades, snowplows and tractors — if you can move it and decorate it with lights, they want it in the parade.

There are three categories which will be awarded honors at the end of the parade: Best in Theme, Best Participation, and Grand Champion.

The parade concludes at Third Avenue and Oak Street, where winners will be announced and then an after party — which is being hosted by the Pend d’Oreille Winery and The Fat Pig. In addition, there will be music, a free hot chocolate bar (generously donated by Hendricks Architecture) and more.

For a full calendar of Winter Carnival events, and to download a parade registration form, please visit sandpointwintercarnival.com, or call Kristin Carlson at 208-263-2161 for more information.

The deadline to submit an event for advertising and the website will be Friday, Jan. 18.

Registration to take part in the parade is due by Friday, Feb. 7.