Winter Carnival events begin
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years, 6 months AGO
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | January 6, 2017 9:46 AM
There’s always the yetis and penguins. But for this year’s Whitefish Winter Carnival, there should be some even more unique characters right from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book wandering the streets.
The 58th annual Winter Carnival kicks off with a theme of “One Fish, Two Fish, Whitefish.” This year, the Carnival’s main events fall Feb. 3-5.
This year’s theme is a nod to the many colorful Dr. Seuss children books. The author penned classics such as “Green Eggs and Ham,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “One Fish Two Fish,” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”
Paul Johannsen, Carnival board member, said it’s a fun theme this year.
“I think we should get lots of good floats and costumes [in the parade],” he said.
The month-long lead up to Carnival weekend begins Saturday with the always raucous Merry Maker at the Moose Lodge at 6 p.m. This annual roast of Whitefish is when the new Prime Minister and Duchess of Lark are revealed.
The coronation of King Ullr and the Queen of Snows is Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center, followed by the Disco Party. Frey and Freya are crowned Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Whitefish High School basketball game.
The World Invitational Whitefish Ski Joring races will take place Jan. 28 and 29 at the Whitefish Municipal Airport.
The Gala is Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Whitefish Lake Restaurant.
The main day for the Carnival is Saturday, Feb. 4. The Penguin Plunge is at 11 a.m. at City Beach, followed by a pie social at 12:30 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church. The Grand Parade makes its way through downtown beginning at 3 p.m.
Wrapping up events on Sunday, Feb. 5, the Rotary club hosts a pancake breakfast at the Moose Lodge from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, visit www.whitefishwintercarnival.com.
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