Museum seeks volunteers to carry ski hat

SANDPOINT — Just how long is the world’s longest ski hat?

Bonner County Historical Society and Museum officials estimate it is between 500 and 700 feet long. That’s why they need a large crew of volunteers to help carry the hat through the streets of downtown Sandpoint during the 51st annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival later this month.

The hat will be carried as the museum’s entry in the Parade of Lights on Feb. 16 on the carnival’s opening weekend, museum officials said. Over 100 volunteers are needed to help carry the now historical item. 

The hat is lined with the names of sponsors who helped fund the project, many of whom are still active in the community.  The handmade wonder has skied down Schweitzer, walked the parade, and spanned across a portion of a frozen Lake Pend Oreille before finding a home at the museum. 

Gini Woodward and Scott Hadley made the hat prior to the 1977 Winter Carnival. This year the Winter Carnival will last from Feb. 16-25 and include events like fireworks, a chili cook-off, live music, sleigh rides, and much more. 

The hat will also be at the Sandpoint Library on Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a time of conservation regarding cleanup and restoration of the ski hat, officials said.

“So, if you miss its appearance in the parade, stop by the library to see this hat in all its glory before it is wrapped for storage at the museum,” museum officials said. “We cannot wait to return to the Winter Carnival with this special piece of history for the first time in nearly fifty years.”

Information: info@bonnercountyhistory.org