SANDPOINT — The community is invited to come celebrate 48 years of winter fun with the Sandpoint Winter Carnival.

This year set for Feb. 11 to 27, Winter Carnival first kicked off in 1973 as a way to promote family friendly fun in the community. This would have been the 49th year for the event, , but due to the COVID-19 pandemic there was a pause on the festivities.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce oversees the Winter Carnival Parade of Lights, which kicks off the beginning of three weeks of fun as well as promotion and logistics for all the happenings. The Parade of Lights, set for Friday, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m., starts and ends at Sandpoint city parking lot, with an awards ceremony immediately following.

“We’ll be lighting up the winter night with Weird Wonderful Winter, zany floats, marching groups, dancers, and more,” Kate McAlister, chamber president and CEO, said.

“Winter Carnival is a great way to promote all our local businesses, highlight our community and bring us all together,” McAlister said.

In addition to the parade on Feb. 11, there will be a block party on Third Avenue by Jeff Jones Town Square.

Winter Carnival events include happenings almost every day at Schweitzer as well as a host of activities in the downtown area, including a Weird Wonderful Pub Crawl, family fun day at the Granary District, carnival games in the Sandpoint Shopping District, sleigh rides and dinner at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, and performances of Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein the Musical” at the Panida. In addition, there will be a cornhole tournament at MickDuffs, music throughout town at various venues and more.

The final — and community favorite — Winter Carnival event, the Eichardt's K9 Keg Pull, is great family fun and a great way to close the festivities. From tiny dogs to big ones, all are welcome, McAlister said.

The keg pull will be held Sunday, Feb 27. Sandpoint and Schweitzer Mountain Resort coordinate with events for the Winter Carnival, between the events happening both at Schweitzer and in Sandpoint there is something for everyone, she said.

They are still in the planning process for activities at local businesses and will have those posted up on the Winter Carnival website.

The chamber is already planning a special treat for the 50th year of Winter Carnival in 2023. For activity times visit www.sandpointwintercarnival.com