SANDPOINT — What is a pirate to do in the winter in North Idaho?

Well, "Cap'n Dan" Mimmack has the answer: Strip down your pirate ship and use it to create the Creations for Sandpoint parade float to entertain the crowd gathered for the kickoff event of the annual Winter Carnival.

"Dan went over and beyond this year with his pirate ship," said Shery Meekings, executive director for Creations.

It paid off, however, as Creations won best nonprofit in this year's Parade of Lights. Meekings said it was the fourth year the nonprofit has participated in the parade.

"The first year I think it was just us and two others (in the parade)," Meekings said. "Now it's really happenin' again, which is amazing ... Each year it gets progressively better. It's so much fun; it's great for the town, so people can get out of the house in the winter."

This year there were approximately 20 parade participants with floats or banners, as well as a large crowd of onlookers.

For the Carousel of Smiles crew, it was the first year participating in the parade. As they walked with their banner, the crowd would yell, "carousel, carousel."

"And then I would yell back, and the kids were dancing and I was dancing in the parade," said Jan Griffitts, Carousel of Smiles board member. "We had a good time. I was really shocked at how many people and the enthusiasm (of the crowd)."

It was a beautiful evening, Griffitts said, and there were a lot of lights and the floats were "great."

In addition to Creations winning the award for best nonprofit, three more awards were handed out as well. Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce President Kate McAlister said about five judges walked around determining the winners of the awards. Timbersled won the award for best business; The Bonner County Rodeo Royalty took home best in theme; and the grand champion of the parade, as announced by McAlister, was the Ponderay Rotary and the "Duckies."

While the Parade of Lights, as well as live music, dancers and karate demonstrations kicked off the Winter Carnival Friday night, the fun will continue with a long list of events planned over the next week.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort has a full day of events planned today, including a snowshoe hike, kids crafts, a village campfire and more. The 4th annual Cornhole Classic tournament will be held at MickDuff's Beer Hall at 1 p.m. Other events, including a sleigh ride and live music are scheduled throughout the day as well.

Schweitzer activities, live music and more events continue throughout the week. One new event is the Frozen 5K Fun Run on Saturday, Feb. 24., and participants will collect items to make smores along the way. The Winter Carnival will come to a close on Sunday, Feb. 25, with the K-9 Keg Pull — a fundraiser for the Panhandle Animal Shelter.

For a full list of events and details, visit sandpointwintercarnival.com.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.