Willow Winter Carnival continues this weekend

Despite the weather canceling the anticipated Su-Dog 300 for the first weekend of the Willow Winter Carnival, the annual event is still a go for this upcoming weekend.

“It's confirmed, the Willow Lake has frozen up nicely! Fireworks on the lake!” the Willow Area Community Organization (WACO) wrote on its social media page on January 29. The carnival the largest and most important fundraising opportunity for WACO.

The temperatures are expected to be chilly, so visitors should bundle up before heading out.

The fun and activities begin Friday, January 31, with a quick art draw and silent art auction beginning at 5:00 p.m., followed by the carnival kickoff dinner at 6:00 p.m., where the Willow King and Queen will be announced. There is limited seating for the dinner and tickets can be purchased at the Willow Public Library, Newman’s Hilltop Services, the Willow Post Office and Roni’s Chinook Deli and Pizza. The evening will end with a fireworks show at 7:15 p.m.

Carnival parking is $1 per carload and admission is free. Everyone that attends will receive a door prize ticket.

Saturday February 1 will offer a flurry of activities, starting with a breakfast hosted by the Willow Elementary PTA at the school. The first day of events are mainly non-motorized. The Kiddee Snocross Race, Sven Erikssen Ski/Bike/Run Race, Homesteader Games, The Billy Taylor 5k Ski Race, and several other ski and sled dog races will be held throughout the day. For those that are not interested in participating in outdoor events, there will be a trade fair from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the auditorium and backyard, and live performances on stage. Performers include the Whee Duet, the Rosewood Trio, a Native Youth Olympics Demonstration and a Paws and Taws Square Dance, among others. The Paws and Taws Square Dance Group has been attending this event for almost 40 years. There will also be an ice cream eating contest on stage. A pike derby will also be going on throughout the weekend.

Sunday February 2 includes motorized races, starting with the Poker Run Snowmachine Race at 10:00 a.m. Several other snowmachine races will be held throughout the day, and the always-entertaining Outhouse Race at 1 p.m. The Homesteader Games will continue on Sunday outside along with outdoors kids games and a scavenger hunt. Indoor activities include the trade fair, a cribbage tournament and a pie and dessert scholarship auction.

The winter carnival will conclude on Feb. 7 with the Willow Caswell Fire Dept. Fire and Ice Family Dance from 6-10 p.m. The dance will include a taco bar and all ages are welcomed to this family event.