‘Good, old-fashioned community fun’: Local volunteers pull together to put on 59th annual Willow Winter Carnival

WASILLA — It’s that time of year again. Dozens of Willow residents are volunteering their time and effort to host the 59th annual Willow Winter Carnival this weekend and next.

“The whole carnival is put on by volunteers… When you think about how long it is and how many different events we have, it’s pretty spectacular that we’re able to pull all of that together with such a tiny community,” Willow Area Community Organization secretary Teri Petram said. “It’s a big deal.”

The Willow Area Community Organization volunteers host this annual winter tradition at the Willow Community Center with the support of numerous locals across the community. Petram said the Winter Carnival is “important on a lot of different levels.”

“A lot of us live out here because we like our privacy and we like our alone time. But, the option to come together as a community and spend time together and enjoy each other’s company is really nice too. So, it gives people an opportunity to be a community in a social setting that’s safe and accessible,” Petram said.

On top of providing a fun and engaging atmosphere, the carnival also serves as a major fundraiser for the Willow Community Center, according to Petram. She said the funds raised help with upkeep and overall maintenance.

The Willow Community Center is the community’s hub, the go-to spot for public events and activities. Petram said it’s booked over 300 days a year.

“There’s always something happening there,” Petram said.

The Willow community went through a lot this last year. In the wake of natural disasters like the McKinley Fire in August of 2019 and Willow Creek floods December of 2019, Petram said the carnival is a welcome change of pace. She said it’s like a “bright spot” for the locals, a much needed and inexpensive time to laugh, play and mingle with neighbors.

“It’s been a tough year for Willow. The opportunity for people to come out after some of those events and do something fun— instead to have to go rescue people or go rebuild homes— is important this year,” Petram said.

There will be several new and returning events at this year’s carnival, according to Petram. She said they’re hosting several mushing activities, affirming the community’s deeply rooted mushing identity.

They’re bringing back snowmachine events like Radar Run where the racer clocked in at the highest speed wins. They’re also adding horse drawn carriages this year, which is all new. Horse Drawn Carriage Alaska will be offering $5 rides and kids under five ride free.

“It’s good, old fashioned community fun,” Petram said.

Carnival festivities start Friday with the Willow Winter Carnival Kick Off Dinner at the Willow Community Center. There will be an art auction, roast beef dinner and a firework show provided by Gorilla Fireworks.

“It’s kind of a unique thing too. It’s right off the lake, in front of the playground. So, it’s cool to stand back and see kids swinging in swing sets and playing in the playground with all these huge fireworks going off in the background,” Petram said.

Willow Winter Carnival admission is free of charge and there’s just a $1 parking fee.

Visit the Willow Area Community Organization’s website for a full event and activity schedule at waco-ak.org.

For more information, call 907-495-6633.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com