By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff
Winter Carnival kicks off Friday and continues through Feb. 24, bringing events, live music, recreational activities and more to the quiet, snowy, arguably frozen Panhandle — all in hopes that residents will feel inspired to get out and have some fun.
President and CEO of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce Kate McAlister characterizes the carnival as “a fabulous winter escape from the grayness and winter doldrums,” and said the numerous events are “a wonderful collaborative effort” between the Chamber, Schweitzer Mountain Resort and local businesses and organizations.
“There is something for everyone,” she said.
The following is a snapshot of everything happening this week, and Winter Carnival Week 2 will run in the Feb. 21 issue of the Reader. Find more details at www.sandpointwintercarnival.com.
Friday, Feb. 15
Weird and Wonderful Winter Parade of Lights
The carnival’s kickoff event will begin at the downtown city parking lot at 5:30 p.m. and then loop its way up Second Avenue, onto Oak Street, down Fourth Avenue to Church Street and back to the parking lot. Kids have the chance to “get glowing” with glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark face paint at a station hosted by the Washington Elementary PTA. This is the free activity, but donations will go toward educational materials and grants. Hendricks Architecture will host a free hot chocolate bar during the parade as well. Both the kids’ booth and hot cocoa bar will be located outside the Belwood Building at Third Avenue and Cedar.
Parade of Lights After Party hosted by Pend d’Oreille Winery and The Fat Pig
Enjoy a bonfire, activities, live music and performances at this free after party, located on the Third Avenue block between Main and Cedar, directly following the parade.
Duck Derby Kickoff @ Matchwood Brewing
The Rotary Club of Ponderay officially kicks off their Duck Derby and Duck Flocking scholarship fundraiser Friday night with a no host bar, raffle and more. There will also be live music from Oak Street Connection. The party runs 7-9 p.m. Learn more about the Rotary Club’s efforts at www.ponderayrotaryclub.com.
“Drinking Habits” @ the Panida
Comedy, accusations and romance highlight this play by Tom Smith, in which nuns are making wine to keep their convent running and undercover reporters weasel their way in to break the story — not without a few extra secrets (and wine) spilled along the way. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $10 for students, and can be found at Eve’s Leaves, online at www.panida.org or at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7. “Drinking Habits” will also run at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 16.
Schweitzer Beercat Tour Kickoff
The Beercat will be prowling the mountain Feb. 15-17 providing cold draft beer straight to skiers and boarders on the slopes.
Live music @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Check out local country artist Devon Wade at the Beer Hall 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Live music @ the 219 Lounge
Hawthorne Roots is set to bring their unique brand of roots rock to the 219 starting at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 16
5th Annual Winter Carnival Cornhole Classic @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Pre-registration is encouraged for this increasingly popular annual event, where 32 teams will square off in a double-elimination tournament on the Beer Hall’s indoor courts. Call 208-209-6700 or show up the day of between 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to sign up. Pay $20 per team or $10 per person to play for a chance to win cash and prizes. First toss at 1 p.m.
Sleigh Rides, Dinner and a Concert @ Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
Schedule a sleigh ride at 5 or 6 p.m. and follow it up with dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more details and to make a reservation, call the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch at 208-263-9066.
Live music @ Laughing Dog Brewing
Guitarist Chad Patrick brings the tunes to Laughing Dog’s Mugs & Music: 6-8 p.m.
Live music @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Check out alternative indie psych rock band The Wow Wows at the Beer Hall 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Live music @ Taps
Jam to indie rock band Harold’s IGA 3-6 p.m. and Hawthorne Roots 7-10 p.m.
Live music @ the 219 Lounge
Right Front Burner brings the funk to the 219 starting at 9 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 17
Sample the Nice Turns Clinic @ Schweitzer
Attend a free trial run of the Nice Turns Clinic on Schweitzer Mountain and meet with coaches and possibly join a Nice Turns group. This event is free, just meet at the Nice Turns Trial Run tent in the village between 1-3 p.m. Call the Schweitzer Snowsports School for more details: 208-255-3070.
“Let it Glow!” Kids’ Night Parade and Fireworks @ Schweitzer
Sunday on the mountain will feature kids’ crafts, snowshoe hiking and a village campfire, all leading up to a parade and fireworks 6-8 p.m. as well as night skiing. Contact the Schweitzer Activity Center at 208-255-3081 or email [email protected] for more information or to register.
Live music @ Taps
Enjoy live tunes on the mountain Sunday night from Hawthorne Roots 3-6 p.m. and The Rub 7-10 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 18
Moonlight Snowshoe + music @ Schweitzer
Let the sunset light the way at the beginning of this snowshoe trek, then enjoy a moonlit trail on the way back. Schweitzer Mountain Activity Center staff will lead the way to scenic spots along the resort’s trail system and provide factoids on plants and animals, Schweitzer’s history or even lunar folklore along the way. Hike begins at 4 p.m. and is weather permitting. Register at www.schweitzer.com or contact the Schweitzer Activity Center at 208-255-3081.
Tuesday, Feb. 19
Annual 219 Party
Attend the annual 219 party at the 219 Lounge starting at 2:19 p.m. Enjoy $2.19 beer and drink special as well as snacks. Night-Out Karaoke with DJ Pat starts at 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 20
KPND Ski and Board Party @ Connie’s Cafe
KPND’s annual Ski and Board Party is bringing prizes, fun and food and drink specials to Connie’s starting at 5:30 p.m.
Wind Down Wednesday @ the 219 Lounge
Enjoy half-price bottles of wine, snacks and featured cocktails while Truck Mills and Tom Duebendorfer provide the live music starting at 6 p.m.
Snow Pit Chat @ Matchwood Brewing
The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center invites people to drink a craft beer, take in a movie — “A Dozen More Turns” — and join a discussion afterward, all starting at 6 p.m.
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Coming up this week! Don’t miss out on “Get Plowed”, a Food Summit, Folk Art, and more! See the full list of events in the 
