Celebrate the 61st State Winter Carnival in Willow
Contributed by Brenda McCain
MAT-SU VALLEY - A great Alaskan tradition continues this month as the 61st Willow State Winter Carnival begins in Willow.
The Carnival will be held February 17-19 and February 24-26 at the Willow Community Center at Mile 69.5 Parks Highway.
This spectacular “cabin fever reliever” event has continued so long because it truly has something for everyone! There are enough activities both inside and outside to keep anyone happy.
It all starts on Friday, February 17th with the traditional Carnival Kickoff Dinner.
The doors open at 5:00 pm for the local Artist’s Quick Draw and beginning of the Art Silent Auction. The Roast Beef Dinner will be served at 6 pm. The Carnival King and Queen will be crowned, and the festive evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display by Gorilla Fireworks.
Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance at Newman’s Hilltop or the Willow Library, $20.00 /16 yrs. and older, $12/ 9-15 yrs. Kids 8 and under dine free.
Each Saturday and Sunday the Willow Elementary School PTA serves breakfast at the school from 8 am- 11 am.
Admission to Carnival is free! Parking is $1.00 a carload, but everyone gets a door prize ticket!
There are activities inside and outside the Willow Community for all from 10 am to 4 pm as well as evening events.
Inside activities include a mini-raffle, very diverse stage acts including many bands and dance groups, a cribbage tournament, local vendors, Carnival Kitchen, commemorative pins and shirts, Scholarship Pie Auction and more.
Outside activities include Snowshoe softball, Outhouse races, Homesteader Competitions, Snow Carving Demos, Ski races, Sled dog races, Kid games, Fat tire bikes, Vintage Snowmachine show, several snowmachine competitions, and hockey tournament and fishing weigh in and more.
Night activities include:
Bingo: Saturday February 18th and Friday 24th Doors open at 6 and games start at 7 pm.
Fire & Ice Family Dance: Saturday February 25th at 6 pm
See the Willow State Winter Carnival website has the very latest agenda and updates.
https://www.waco-ak.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Carnival-Schedule-2023_Final.pdf
This is THE State Winter Carnival and all are welcome to come celebrate in Willow.
