Celebrate outdoors at 11th annual Winterfest

Denali National Park and Preserve, its partners and the Denali Borough communities invite the public to celebrate Alaska’s longest season during Winterfest 2011 from Feb. 25-27.

The Winterfest schedule contains an array of events for all ages, interests and abilities. New offerings include a star gazing party, presentation on mountaineering in Denali and a talent competition. The complete schedule of activities is posted at nps.gov/dena .

Festivities kick off Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the McKinley Park Community Center with local resident Ree Nancarrow’s reminiscence on the changes in the community she and her family have experienced during the more than 50 years they have lived in the area. A dessert potluck prior to the program begins at 7 p.m. The Community Center is located on the spur road one-half mile from the Parks Highway at Mile 230.

National Park Service hosts a wide variety of events on Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at or near the Murie Science and Learning Center on the Denali Park Road. Offerings include sled dog rides, ranger-guided snowshoe walk, ice carving demonstration, snow sculpting contest, 5K family fun run/walk/ski/bike, quilt exhibit (with voting for your favorite) and indoor presentations. Hot drinks and light refreshments are provided and a selection of park-related publications will be available for sale.

The Healy community is also hosting Saturday activities, including hockey games, a dessert sale, face painting and other children’s activities. Saturday will be topped off with a free community chili dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the Denali’s Got Talent! contest from 6 to 8 p.m. Both events are taking place in the Tri-Valley Community Center, located at Mile 0.5 on the Healy Spur Road (Mile 248.8 Parks Highway). The celebration continues with a 1980s party at the 49th State Brewing Co. from 8 p.m. to midnight. Dress in ‘80s style and you might win a prize.

For more information, call 683-9532.