63rd State Winter Carnival in Willow
Contributed by Brenda McCain, Willow Winter Carnival Committee
All Alaskans are invited to enjoy the 63rd State Winter Carnival in Willow for “The Year of the Malamute” at Willow Community Ctr at 69.5 Parks Highway. This historic event has activities for all ages to enjoy inside and outside the and on trails around the community from January 25 - February 7, 2025.
Saturday, Jan. 25th the fun begins with the NEW Su Dog 300-mile Sled dog race when 25 teams leave starting at 2 pm. At 6 pm doors open for Carnival Bingo at 7 pm. Monday, Jan. 27th as the Su Dog teams are returning there will be the be a Soup tasting contest/$5 to taste and vote. Friday, January 31st the full Carnival weekend begins at the Carnival Kick off Dinner. Doors open at 5 pm with the local Artist's Quick Draw and the start of the Alaskan Art silent auction.
At 6 pm, the Ribs, Beans, Cole Slaw & cake dinner will be served. This event is usually a sell-out. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Newman's Hilltop Marathon, Roni’s Deli or Willow Library. $25.00 age 16 and up, $17.00 age 8-15. Free under age 7 (but need ticket).
The Carnival King and Queen will be crowned during dinner and the evening will conclude with a spectacular Fireworks display by Gorilla Fireworks.
Saturday, Feb 1 & Sunday Feb 2- 8 am-11:00 am Willow Elementary PTA will serve their well-loved breakfast. Saturday, Feb 1 & Sunday February 2 Carnival activities are 10:00 am – 4 pm.
Admission to the Carnival is free! Parking is $1.00 per carload, but every person gets a door prize ticket! Some competitions have an entry fee. Inside activities include a wide range of stage acts, a cribbage tournament, local vendors, ice cream eating contest, Scholarship Pie Auction, Mini-raffle, Malamute shirts, pins & magnets, Carnival kitchen and more.
Large raffle tickets with Grand Prize of an ATV and many great prizes will be available. Outside activities include vintage snowmachine show, snowmachine competitions include poker run, blind driver, and radar run.
Also, outhouse races, snowshoe scavenger hunt, sled dog races, skijoring, kid's games, historic Sven Erikson 25 k run, ski, bike, skijor tour, homesteader games and pike derby weigh in and more.
Friday Feb 7th 6- 10 pm the Fire Dept is hosting a Family “Fire & Ice Dance”. This the Alaska State Winter Carnival and all are welcome to come celebrate winter in Willow.
For full carnival schedule: https://www.waco-ak.org/committees/carnival/