Events at the Sandpoint Winter Carnival

2013 Schedule of Events — This year’s Sandpoint Winter Carnival was Feb. 15-24 and shaped up to be the best one yet! Take a look at the schedule to see all the fun happenings, and plan on being here for the 40th annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival in 2014.

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Every day

Dine Around Sandpoint

All day, all around town
A host of restaurants around town feature different specials each day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And every time you dine around Sandpoint at participating restaurants, you’ll be entered to win a grand prize: A meal out once a month for a full year. Pick up a map to participating restaurants at locations around town. See more at DineAroundSandpoint.com.

Shop Around Sandpoint

All day, all around town
Sometimes it pays to go shopping! In Shop Around Sandpoint, participating stores will stamp “passports” that enter shoppers into a drawing for prizes.

Passport Fun

All day at Schweitzer.
Pick up your passport at the Activity Center; they are free and can be picked up any day of winter carnival. You have the entire week to complete them. Fill them in and have a chance to win a Nintendo DS! See more at Schweitzer.com.

Friday, February 15

Winter Crazy Days

All day, Downtown Sandpoint
The Sandpoint Shopping District hosts a special Winter Carnival Crazy Days event over seven days. Just like Crazy Days in summer but with tents. Same great deals, same big fun. See more at SandpointShoppingDistrict.com.

FREE SOLE SnowSchool Experience

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Schweitzer Fire Station Parking Lot
Drop your kids off with the folks of Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE), Inc for a FREE SOLE SnowSchool Experience – part of the nation’s largest on-snow winter ecology program! Your children will participate in snowshoe games and explore winter ecology – all with an emphasis on FUN! So, go get a couple of runs at Schweitzer or come out with us as we explore the winter landscape of the Selkirks.  Appropriate for ages 8-15+. SOLE will provide a FREE snowshoe rental and programming for each participant ($20 value)! Registration required and space is limited. Please note: Children should be dressed appropriately for conditions.  Snack and water bottle encouraged. See more and register at SoleExperiences.org.

Cirque de Sandpoint

6:30 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St.
Enjoy this unique group of players, mostly consisting of the S.T.E.P. Training Centre and Circus Arts team, performing various acrobatics, dance routines, firespinning, an aerial show and more. Dress warm and be dazzled.

Downtown Rail Jam and Bonfires

7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Jeff Jones Town Square, Main and Third
One of the biggest events of Winter Carnival, the rail jam is a freestyle contest where skiers and snowboarders put up their best acrobatic moves while sliding on handrails and other man-made features. Points are awarded for style, amplitude, difficulty and variety. Spinneybent Rails provides a rail jam setup that’s 30 feet wide and 100 feet long rail with two features, a handrail and box. Riders compete for prizes from 7B Boardshop and other sponsors. Spectators can keep warm and catch the excitement by roaring bonfires.

Ski Joring Registration Party

5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sweet Lou’s, 477272 U.S. Highway 95, Ponderay
If you have a fast horse or are good on skis (also handy: nerves of steel!) then why not? Ski Joring is a Scandinavian-inspired, centuries-old contest with horses and riders pulling skiers around a course at breakneck speeds. You can enter as a team or individually to be paired with either a rider or skier. See more at SandpointSkijoring.com.

LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends

8:30 p.m., Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave.
95.3 KPND presents LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends in a “rock ‘n’ soul” concert. Tickets are $22 in advance or $25 at the door. Available at 4000 Holes in Spokane, the Long Ear in Coeur d’Alene, Eichardt’s and Eve’s Leaves in Sandpoint, or by phone at KPND’s business office, 208-263-2179. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Learn more about the artist at LeRoyBell.com.

Saturday, February 16

Winter Crazy Days

All day, Downtown Sandpoint
The Sandpoint Shopping District hosts a special Winter Carnival Crazy Days event over seven days. Just like Crazy Days in summer but with tents. Same great deals, same big fun. See more at SandpointShoppingDistrict.com.

Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail Snowshoe or Hike

9 a.m. to  11 a.m., meet at Sandpoint City Beach Parking lot
Join Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail for a snowshoe or hike (wear appropriate footgear) for a winter walk along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. We’ll carpool from the City Beach Parking lot and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies after the walk. Snowshoes are available for rent at Outdoor Experience in downtown Sandpoint. See more at www.pobtrail.org.

FREE SOLE SnowSchool Experience

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Schweitzer Fire Station Parking Lot
Drop your kids off with the folks of Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE), Inc for a FREE SOLE SnowSchool Experience – part of the nation’s largest on-snow winter ecology program! Your children will participate in snowshoe games and explore winter ecology – all with an emphasis on FUN! So, go get a couple of runs at Schweitzer or come out with us as we explore the winter landscape of the Selkirks.  Appropriate for ages 8-15+. SOLE will provide a FREE snowshoe rental and programming for each participant ($20 value)! Registration required and space is limited. Please note: Children should be dressed appropriately for conditions.  Snack and water bottle encouraged. See more and register at SoleExperiences.org.

Skijoring

Gates open at 11 a.m. and competition begins at noon, Bonner County Fairgrounds
One horse, one rope, one skier … it’s skijoring and it’s back! The newest and biggest event, Ski Joring made its debut in Sandpoint two years ago. Combining two favorite action pastimes, skiing and horseback riding, Ski Joring is an action-packed Scandinavian sport that involves horses and riders pulling skiers at high speeds around a course of jumps and gates. Did we just mix barrel bacing with slalom ski racing? Ski Joring is an equally exciting spectator show for the entire family. Vendors are on hand serving food and drink. Expect some fun surprises. Best times for the day receive a cash prize. Divisions running will be Open, Sport, Women’s and Juniors. More than $3,000 in cash and prizes this year! Admission is $3, but parking and children under 12 are free; each paid admission will receive a raffle ticket to win great prizes. See more at SandpointSkijoring.com.

Country-Style BBQ Dinner and Western Hoedown

5 p.m. to close, Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St.
Country Western party in honor of Ski Joring with a special menu. Live music and dancing begins at 7 p.m. See more at TrinityatCityBeach.com.

Sleigh Rides-Dinner-and Country Music

Sleigh rides at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., and music from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd. 
This memorable family friendly evening begins with a nostalgic horse-drawn sleigh ride powered by one of the ranch’s draft teams. After the ride, enjoy the beauty and comfort of the lodge where you will be served a scrumptious ranch dinner. Conclude the evening with entertainment from Sandpoint’s own Devon Wade, who has been performing his blend of country music professionally for more than 15 years. Reservations are required and limited. Cost for the evening is $35 per person for adults, and $25 for kids 6-12, 5 and under are free. Call Janice at 208-263-9066 for reservations. You are welcome to bring your own beer and wine as it will not be available to purchase. See more at WesternPleasureRanch.com.

Schweitzer Events

  • Schweitzer extreme XC race
  • All day complimentary Nastar runs for first-time racers
  • All day village scavenger hunt
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Poker skiing
  • Morning Hosted introductory snowshoe hike
  • Morning snowshoe hike
  • 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Night skiing
  • Tubing sessions at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Family fun at 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Pardi Gras – Did you miss Mardi Gras? No worries! We’ll have family fun activities during the day and adult fun in the evening. The Miah Kohal band will start the après party at 3 p.m., and the party continues with more live music. Beads and party masks will be in style – dress for the occasion and come prepared to party! See more at Schweitzer.com.

Sunday, February 17

Winter Crazy Days

All day, Downtown Sandpoint
The Sandpoint Shopping District hosts a special Winter Carnival Crazy Days event over seven days. Just like Crazy Days in summer but with tents. Same great deals, same big fun. See more at SandpointShoppingDistrict.com.

Skijoring

Gates open at 11 a.m. and competition begins at noon, Bonner County Fairgrounds
Skijoring continues for the second day as participants try to combine their two-day times for the big prize money. (See listing for Saturday, above, for more details). Divisions running will be Open, Sport and Draw Pot (random pairings). Admission is $3, but parking and children under 12 are free; each paid admission will receive a raffle ticket to win great prizes. See more at SandpointSkijoring.com.

Schweitzer Events

  • All day complimentary Nastar runs for first-time racers
  • All day village scavenger hunt
  • Morning snowshoe hike
  • 10 a.m. Transceiver training
  • 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Night skiing
  • 5 p.m. Family fun activity
  • Tubing sessions at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Family fun at 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • 7 p.m. Pink Floyd Laser Light show on the mountain
  • Music with altitude concert in Taps. See more at Schweitzer.com.

Monday, February 18

Winter Crazy Days

All day, Downtown Sandpoint
The Sandpoint Shopping District hosts a special Winter Carnival Crazy Days event over seven days. Just like Crazy Days in summer but with tents. Same great deals, same big fun. See more at SandpointShoppingDistrict.com.

Schweitzer Events

  • Airboarding, 3:30 p.m.
  • Tubing sessions at noon, 1:30 p.m. 3 p.m. See more at Schweitzer.com.

Tuesday, February 19

Schweitzer Events

New Orleans-Style Mardi Gras Dinner and Party

5 p.m. to close, Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St.
You don’t have to be in New Orleans to enjoy this special Fat Tuesday event celebrating Mardi Gras right here in northern Idaho. Live music begins at 7 p.m. See more at TrinityatCityBeach.com.

Annual 2/19 party

10 a.m. to close, The 219 Bar and Lounge, 219 N. First Ave.
Food and drink specials at Sandpoint’s only “5 star dive bar” … serving Sandpoint for more than 75 years.

Wednesday, February 20

Schweitzer Events

  • Tubing sessions at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Family fun at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. See more at Schweitzer.com.

KPND Ski & Board Party

5 p.m. to close, Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St.
Laughing Dog Brewing and Trinity at City Beach host the KPND Ski and Board Party with Glen Lefay and Mike Deprez for an evening of fun, prizes and more. See more at TrinityatCityBeach.com.

Thursday, February 21

Free Nordic Skiing

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tauber Angus Farms Nordic Center, 1276 Gold Creek Rd., and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd.

Both ranches offer park-n-ski operations with beginner friendly terrain and loop trails with distances ranging from two to three miles. Contact Cassie at Tauber Angus, 290-4171, and Janice at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 263-9066. See more at facebook.com/angus.tauber or WesternPleasureRanch.com.

Taste of Sandpoint

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sandpoint Events Center, 515 Pine St.
Join the ravenous masses at this hugely popular Winter Carnival event! More than a dozen restaurants offer up tasty samples of their best specialties at bite-sized prices. Tickets are available at the door for $1 each; the average sample dish, brew or glass of wine is $3 to $7. Check out the Dine Around Sandpoint monthlong promotion while at this event. See more at DineAroundSandpoint.com.

Friday, February 22

Winter Crazy Days

All day, Downtown Sandpoint
The Sandpoint Shopping District hosts a special Winter Carnival Crazy Days event over seven days. Just like Crazy Days in summer but with tents. Same great deals, same big fun. See more at SandpointShoppingDistrict.com.

Free Nordic Skiing

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tauber Angus Farms Nordic Center, 1276 Gold Creek Rd., and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd.

Both ranches offer park-n-ski operations with beginner friendly terrain and loop trails with distances ranging from two to three miles. Contact Cassie at Tauber Angus, 290-4171, and Janice at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 263-9066. See more at facebook.com/angus.tauber or WesternPleasureRanch.com.

Cross-country Treasure Hunt

10 a.m. for private groups and all are welcome after school, Tauber Angus Farms Nordic Center, 1276 Gold Creek Rd., and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd.

Children will be led on an adventure trail through the woods on cross-country skis in small groups. Map in hand, they will discover treasures and learn some fun snow skills. Cost is $5. Contact Cassie at Tauber Angus, 290-4171. See more at facebook.com/angus.tauber.

Schweitzer Extravaganza

  • Big air bag in the village from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Night skiing from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tubing and family fun at 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Starlight funzee pajama party in taps. Come on up to celebrate the final week of starlight racing and join the antics at the funzee pajama party. Wear your favorite pajamas and join the fun with live music and lots of laughter! See more at Schweitzer.com.

8th Annual Adult Spelling Bee

6 p.m., Sandpoint Financial Center at Panhandle State Bank, 414 Church St.
It’s a Spell-a-bration! The Bonner County Daily Bee’s Adult Spelling Bee raises money for literacy by challenging spellers to compete in a whacky, costumed contest. Lots of food and drinks, free admission. The entry fee is $125 for a team of four. Contact Amber Bangeman at the Daily Bee for more info. Call 208-263-9534 to sign up a team of four.

Saturday, February 23

Winter Crazy Days

All day, Downtown Sandpoint
The Sandpoint Shopping District hosts a special Winter Carnival Crazy Days event over seven days. Just like Crazy Days in summer but with tents. Same great deals, same big fun. See more at SandpointShoppingDistrict.com.

Free Nordic Skiing

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tauber Angus Farms Nordic Center, 1276 Gold Creek Rd., and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd.

Both ranches offer park-n-ski operations with beginner friendly terrain and loop trails with distances ranging from two to three miles. Contact Cassie at Tauber Angus, 290-4171, and Janice at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 263-9066. See more at facebook.com/angus.tauber or WesternPleasureRanch.com.

FREE SOLE SnowSchool Experience

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tauber Angus Farms Nordic Center, 1276 Gold Creek Rd.
Drop your kids off with the folks of Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE), Inc for a FREE SOLE SnowSchool Experience – part of the nation’s largest on-snow winter ecology program! Your children will participate in snowshoe games and explore winter ecology – all with an emphasis on FUN! So, go get a couple of runs at Schweitzer or come out with us as we explore the winter landscape of the Selkirks.  Appropriate for ages 8-15+. SOLE will provide a FREE snowshoe rental and programming for each participant ($20 value)! Registration required and space is limited. Please note: Children should be dressed appropriately for conditions.  Snack and water bottle encouraged. See more and register at SoleExperiences.org.

Hay Ride Sled Dog Exhibition

Registration begins at 9 a.m., runs begins at 10 a.m., BBQ at the lodge from noon to 2 p.m., Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd., 208-263-9066

The first-ever dogsled race at Western Pleasure brings a little bit of the Yukon to the ranch. Meet at the main lodge. Dog sled teams welcome! Cost for event is $25 and includes a prize bag for all entries. BBQ lunch is $7! See more at WesternPleasureRanch.com.

Family Fun Day and Coffee Tasting

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Evans Brothers Coffee, 524 Church St.
Enjoy coffee tasting at this local roastery with treats for the adults and a magic show, Creations craft projects and more for the kids. See more at EvansBrothersCoffee.com.

Dodgeball Tournament

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Eureka Institute, 513 Oak St.

Kids’ brackets ages 6-10 and 11-14 sign up 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and games start at 2 p.m. Adults’ bracket ages 15 and up, sign up 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and games start around 3:30 p.m. Creations arts and crafts, fuzzball and ping pong, BBQ burgers, sausages and other snacks for sale.

Schweitzer Events

  • Big air bag in the village from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Morning Snowshoe hike
  • 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Night skiing
  • Tubing sessions at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Family fun at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • All day celebration “Let it glow!” winter carnival finale. Get your neon ski-on by wearing your vintage neon ski apparel – you know, the outfit in the back of the closet that you can’t even imagine wearing again. We will have a snow bar in the village with all of your favorite beverages. At 6 p.m., it’s Glow Parade and Fireworks time! We will host our first day glow night show by inviting 100 friends to ski down the mountain decked out in glow-ware. Get out your el lights from burning man and your battery powered Christmas lights to really get your glow on. Fireworks follow, exploding the night with more “glowiness.” After fireworks – what to do? Get lit at the blacklight party in Taps with more glow and more show! See more at Schweitzer.com.

Sunday, February 24

Winter Crazy Days

All day, Downtown Sandpoint
The Sandpoint Shopping District hosts a special Winter Carnival Crazy Days event over seven days. Just like Crazy Days in summer but with tents. Same great deals, same big fun. See more at SandpointShoppingDistrict.com.

Free Nordic Skiing

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tauber Angus Farms Nordic Center, 1276 Gold Creek Rd., and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd.

Both ranches offer park-n-ski operations with beginner friendly terrain and loop trails with distances ranging from two to three miles. Contact Cassie at Tauber Angus, 290-4171, and Janice at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 263-9066. See more at facebook.com/angus.tauber or WesternPleasureRanch.com.

FREE SOLE SnowSchool Experience

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tauber Angus Farms Nordic Center, 1276 Gold Creek Rd.
Drop your kids off with the folks of Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE), Inc for a FREE SOLE SnowSchool Experience – part of the nation’s largest on-snow winter ecology program! Your children will participate in snowshoe games and explore winter ecology – all with an emphasis on FUN! So, go get a couple of runs at Schweitzer or come out with us as we explore the winter landscape of the Selkirks.  Appropriate for ages 8-15+. SOLE will provide a FREE snowshoe rental and programming for each participant ($20 value)! Registration required and space is limited. Please note: Children should be dressed appropriately for conditions.  Snack and water bottle encouraged. See more and register at SoleExperiences.org.

Barnyard Biathlon Style Nordic Event

Registration begins at 9 a.m., runs begins at 11 a.m., BBQ at the lodge from noon to 2 p.m., Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd., 208-263-9066

A fun Nordic race for all ages in the Western Pleasure Meadow. Juniors are encouraged. This is just a fun way for kids to get a taste of Nordic events and get rewarded for their hard work. Register from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Individual times start at 11 a.m. Cost for event is $5 and includes a swag prize bag for all entries. BBQ lunch is $7. See more at WesternPleasureRanch.com. All proceeds benefit the Selle Valley Ski Club and its efforts to maintain a junior ski rental fleet. The rental fleet, both classic and skate, will be available for participants at this event.

K9 Keg Pull

10 a.m. to noon, Eichardt’s Pub, 212 Cedar St.
Great fun, and just possibly the most endearing event you’ll ever attend. Dogs of all shapes and sizes sprint for glory down a snow-packed course pulling appropriately sized “kegs” – for a chihuahua, that’s a beer can, while mighty rotts or shepherds pull full-size kegs. Dogs race against the clock while their owners urge them on and spectators contribute a cacophony of cheers. The $5 entry fee goes straight to the local animal shelter, Panhandle Animal Shelter in Ponderay. Bring your own dog to race (arrive early) or merely enjoy the spectacle – you’ll love it.

Winter Carnival Disc Golf Tournament

1 p.m., Vandal Center, 1904 N. Boyer Ave.
Kids and adults are welcome to join the fun at The Vandal Disc Golf Course for a 6-hole kids tournament and a 9-hole adult tournament. The entry fee is only $10 and includes a custom Vandal Disc. Hot beverages and prizes for the competitors. Hosted by Sandpoint Disc Golf Club. See more at facebook.com/DiscGolf.Sandpoint.

Schweitzer Events

  • Morning snowshoe hike
  • 10 a.m. Transceiver training
  • 3:30 p.m. Airboarding. See more at Schweitzer.com.

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