Winter Carnival dates announced

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 is today.

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