Through Ice and Snow, to the 2026 Willow Winter Carnival We Go

The 64th Annual Willow Winter Carnival was a huge success this year as the carnival dates coincided with two weekends of wonderful weather. Attendance was high this year, with many events sold out and some races setting records for participation. From throwing axes, to fireworks shows and listening to live performances from the warmth and comfort of the Willow Community Center, there was something for everyone at this year’s event.

“In the dead of winter, when everybody needs something to do, coming out for good food and a fireworks show that we don’t get in the summertime, I think is really important,” Willow Area Community Organization (WACO) Carnival Chair Danielle Barve said. “We have a long winter, so it’s nice to have something big like this at the beginning of the year.”

Warm weather and snowy trails, while a bit soft in places, brought participation up for this year’s races. The carnival has historically been cold, but attendees were welcomed with sunshine on the second weekend. The CC’s Skyfire snowmachine Poker Run included 78 riders this year and the Sven Eriksson 25k Ski, Bike and Run event hosted a record number of 60 participants from across southcentral.

“We had that big cold spell, and now it’s warm,” Barve said. “It couldn’t have been better.”

One of the more popular events, Bingo night during the first weekend of the carnival, was sold out. The kickoff dinner on Friday night of the second weekend was close to selling out and featured a crowd-pleasing homemade lasagna from Raven Lunatic’s Espresso. Sid & Deb Bertz were crowned this year’s Willow King and Queen during the kickoff dinner. Their ordination was followed by a spectacular fireworks show on Willow Lake hosted by Gorilla Fireworks. The team at Raven Lunatic’s served food throughout the second weekend until they sold out.

The kids’ game day during the first weekend drew in a small crowd and despite a canceled Talent Show, they were able to host their own successful improv to enjoy.

Performances by local musicians like Craig Walls filled the cafeteria and members of the crowd listened along while enjoying the company of friends. Some performances, like the Borealis Dancers, have been attending the carnival for 40 years. Other popular stage events included the Colony Calypso Steel Drums and The Matanuska Beat.

Friendly competitions like the Ice Cream Eating Contest and the Homesteader games provided great entertainment. Some families could be seen walking around as they participated in a Geocaching adventure. A variety of vendors selling teas, woodworking and food items filled the perimeters of the cafeteria.

This annual event wouldn’t be possible without the help from a large team of volunteers. From coordinating traffic, to hosting events, serving food and announcing on stage, the volunteers that comprise WACO make the carnival a success year after year.

“I am so glad that everybody’s smiling,” Barve said. “It’s a very good vibe. Everybody is smiling and chatting, it’s great.”

An unplanned but welcomed feature to this year’s carnival was the large whiteboard located in the cafeteria. Two girls took advantage of the blank space to write inspirational quotes and motivational, positive affirmations. The small gesture gained in popularity until the whiteboard was completely full.

“There’s a full whiteboard of people that have written on that board and that was really what I was hoping for,” Barve said.

The event is also a major fundraiser for WACO and helps to keep the community center open throughout the year. The carnival is an integral part of Willow’s history and will continue to have a lasting impact for years to come.

“Thank you to all who came out, and helped, and made it possible,” Barve said.