From the sweetest of contests with Wishing Star’s fudge and candy contest to the high-flying aerial acrobatics of the rail jam, Sandpoint’s Winter Carnival offers a mid-winter break. It’s a chance to kick back, play and celebrate the fun that only winter brings.

I’m not the biggest fan of cold. Growing up in the desert country around the Tri-Cities ensured a predisposition to warmth and summer. That said, the fun and excitement generated by Winter Carnival reminds me how fun winter can be — the excitement of sledding as fast as you can down a hill, the giggles that can be brought on by seeing who can build the wackiest snowman and the down-and-dirty seriousness of building THE snow fort to end all snow forts to serve as your base in an no-holds-barred attack against your siblings.

Easier said then done when the annual snowfall in southeastern Washington can be measured in inches rather than feet. Chinook winds also ensure snow is typically short-lived and encourage quick rather than creative when it comes to the aforementioned snowmen and forts.

This year, Winter Carnival kicks off on Wednesday with a ski-and-board party at Trinity at the Beach and quickly moves on to a delicious community favorite on Thursday with the annual Taste of Sandpoint. Over the next week, there are events planned for every age group and activity level: Shopping bargains, films, skijoring, fire dancing, a rail jam and bonfire, family activities, a Wii dancing competition, a torchlight parade and, of course, the not-to-be-missed K-9 keg pull.

Shake off the winter doldrums and head on over to any, or all, of these events. You’ll have a great time, connect with friends and neighbors, and take part in a great community celebration.

For more information, go online to http://sandpoint.org/wintercarnival/events.html.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Bonner County Daily Bee.