This time of year, when everything outside the window is gray, wet and cold, I start looking for something to keep the cabin fever at bay. By the time February rolls around, I am starting to think about tropical drinks, sand and sunshine for days. But in North Idaho, we still have months of winter to get through before summer hits. That furry little stinker Punxatony Phil, declared another delay for springtime, and spirits are low, but there’s find lots of fun to help keep us sane until warmer weather hits.
Lucky for us, February in Sandpoint is HOPPIN’! The main attraction is the Winter Carnival. Sandpoint has been hosting this crazy February event since 1973! One of my favorite events is the Parade of Lights. Held last night at dark, the entrants started at the City Parking Lot, making a loop through downtown and back to the City Lot for the Awards Ceremony.
This is the first year Mill Town had an entry. We dressed Henry up for his big Winter Carnival debut and decked him out with Christmas lights and glow sticks. He cleans up pretty nice. And we weren’t the only one to think so. Mill Town took home the honor of Best Business Entry. Can we get a Woot Woot! Thank you Chamber of Commerce for organizing this great event and thank you to the sponsors who made it possible.
The fun of Winter Carnival isn’t over yet. Lots of upcoming events to keep us entertained through the (hopefully) last dregs of winter. Check out the complete schedule at http://sandpointwintercarnival.com/events/
February 18 Schweitzer is getting in on the fun with all day adventures on the mountain… snowshoeing, kids crafts, village campfire with complimentary treats, music and a wine tasting. Stop by for live music in the evening at Chimney Rock by Electric Cole Show and check out their Mill Town drink specials.
MickDuff’s will host their annual Cornhole Tournament, starting with registration at noon. Cash prizes!
The 219 Lounge will host their annual 219 party. Food, beer and cider tastings and live music. Ask them for a shot of your favorite Mill Town spirits in your favorite drink!
February 19 Head up to Schweitzer for more all day fun and a kids parade and fireworks from 6-8 p.m. And More music and fun at Chimney Rock!
February 25 The Winter Carnival’s Weird & Wonderful Beerfest & Bar Crawl at some of Sandpoint’s coolest bars. Weird and wonderful themed beer from 2-6pm.
Locations Include: 219 Lounge, A&P Bar and Grill, Eichardt’s Pub Grill & Coffee House, Pour Authority, MickDuff’s Brewing Co. Beer Hall, Ol Red’s Pub, Pend D’ Oreille Winery, and Trinity at City Beach.
Plus MORE Schweitzer all day events!
February 26 Sandpoint is wrapping up the Winter Carnival with Eichardts annual K-9 keg pull. Be at the Granary for Evans Brothers Coffee’s Neighborhood Coffee Tasting and Waldorf School Family Faire. The Keg Pull starts at 10 a.m., and the $5 entry fee benefits the Panhandle Animal Shelter. The free Neighborhood Coffee Tasting with Evans Brothers Coffee from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with hot cocoa for the kids and live music. Also, the Waldorf School Family Faire will be on site with great activities for the entire family including felt soap making, crafts, face painting!
Whew! If you can’t find something on that list that looks like fun, you are beyond help. Cheers and Happy February to you!
