SANDPOINT — It's only fitting that the announcement of who was selected as Sandpoint Winter Carnival royalty took place around Valentine’s Day.

The announcement of Alayna and Manny Reichl as the 2026 Winter Carnival Fire Queen and Ice King came after Friday's Winter Carnival parade at a block party designed to help shake off winter's cabin fever.

As the pair were announced as royalty, special crowns designed by Irelynn Jolley, a senior at Sandpoint High School, were placed on their heads, and sashes signifying their status as king and queen were presented.

The couple, who own Barrel 33, said their selection allows them to continue celebrating Sandpoint's community spirit and the people who make the community special.

"We created it as a space for everyone to come together," Manny Reichl said. "That's why we have community tables."

The couple said they love being part of the community, calling it a special place offering something for everyone, from mountains to lakes to friendly people.

"Sandpoint has such a great culture," Reichl said. "I grew up in Germany, and Sandpoint really reminds me of southern Germany — just the hospitality and the people. It's such a great community."

Their “edict” as Fire Queen and Ice King is for others to get involved and play an active role in making Sandpoint special.

Alayna Reichl encouraged area residents to get involved with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and other civic and community groups.

"I feel the chamber does a great job of trying to keep all of the businesses united, which is important in a small town," she said. "Community is everything."

Manny Reichl agreed.

"I'd love to see more people joining the chamber and different organizations to continue to bring everybody together, to keep that quaint feel," he said.

Joan Urbaniak, executive director of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, said the couple's extensive volunteerism was key to their selection as Winter Carnival king and queen.

Candidates needed to demonstrate a long-term and broad-based commitment to making life here more livable, pleasant and enjoyable — both for residents and for visitors, Urbaniak said.

"Alayna and Manny Reichl have brought a lot of passion and beauty to Sandpoint," she added. "They’re always ready to contribute to the community and have a beautiful family, making them a joy to be around."

The Reichls are members of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Sandpoint Business Association and the SARS Ski Racing Program, and they provide local artisan support. In addition, the pair support businesses and nonprofits such as Creations, Panhandle Alliance for Education and the Community Resource EnVision Center, as well as local farm‑to‑table businesses and farmers.

While Friday night's events kicked off the 2026 Winter Carnival, the fun continues through Feb. 22.

On Saturday, Schweitzer will host the first of three days of events celebrating both Winter Carnival and Presidents Day weekend. Marigold Café is holding a special Valentine’s Day dinner event, Connie’s is hosting a Valentine’s Day trivia contest, and Paper Flowers will perform an unplugged version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album.

In addition, the Sandpoint Farmers Market will appear at the Sandpoint Library for its monthly popup “Winter Farmers Market,” with live music, festival vibes and seasonal shopping with produce, baked goods, local artisans and craftspeople.

On Sunday, Music Conservatory of Sandpoint staff will perform in concert, featuring everything from classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites. MCS' Teatime Winter Serenade starts at 2 p.m. in the conservatory’s Little Carnegie Hall, 110 Main St.

Also on Sunday, Denver-based Float Like a Buffalo brings its bold, horn-heavy sound back to the 219 Lounge for an explosive live show blending deep-pocket funk and soulful grooves.

On Monday, the Kaniksu Land Trust partners with the Idaho Pour Authority for a special trivia night at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get a good seat.

Tuesday, the Little Live Radio Hour kicks off its 2026 season in an all-new venue — the Hive. The fun begins at 6 p.m. and features Justin Landis and Josh Hedlund, also known as Little Wolf.

Matchwood Brewing, Evans Brothers Coffee and Toasty Mobile Saunas are teaming up Thursday, Feb. 19, for Matchwood Toastyfest from 4–8 p.m. The family-friendly wellness event features a mobile sauna, cold plunge, mini massages, music, herbal tea and more.

Friday and Saturday feature a number of live musical offerings, and on Sunday, Eichardt's K‑9 Keg Pull caps the 2026 season. The fan-favorite event sends dogs (and their owners) racing down a snowy course on Cedar Street. The event, which raises funds for the Better Together Animal Alliance, opens registration at 10:15 a.m., with racing set to start at 11 a.m.

Information: sandpointwintercarnival.com

    A Winter Carnival parade participant has fun on the Creations float during Friday night's event.
  

    A youngster rides on a float during the Sandpoint Winter Carnival parade.