Snowfest has been around since the early 1980s, and this year the theme will be “Bring Back the 80s.” Dig out those bright spandex tights that we used for cross-country skiing, or go for the jeans and gaiters that were the style for downhill skiers, and be ready to have some fun between February 28 and March 9th.
Snowfest is North Tahoe’s annual winter carnival. It is ten days of parades, races, funny contests, and wild and quirky parties. Whether you are looking to push your athletic limits, or just want to find something fun to do at night, you can find it during Snowfest. Go to www.snowfest.com for a schedule of events.
Here are a few suggestions to get your appetite whetted:
February 28th. Start the week off right with the Snowfest Queen Coronation in Squaw Valley. Local girls compete to become Snowfest Queen based on an interview, essay, and most importantly the number of Snowfest raffle tickets they sell. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the local non-profit organizations that the girls are supporting. Reward these hard working girls, and the local community, by buying raffle tickets and attending the coronation event (and yes, I am the proud father of a former Snowfest Queen). Following the coronation, enjoy the Laser Light Show and Torchlight parade down Squaw’s slopes.
March 1st is Tahoe City Day. Begin with a pancake breakfast followed by Tahoe City’s Snowfest Parade, which is a classic cavalcade of small town funkiness and fun. Later journey to Gar Woods in Carnelian Bay to see all those folks who find themselves in Lake Tahoe, participating in an astoundingly cold and impressively long swim. Fortunately there is a crowd of people cheering them on and hot tubs and libations await their return.
March 2nd. How about trying Granlibakken’s Gone Bonkers Kids Ski Race, with a course designed for the little ones including gates, obstacles and bumps to add to the thrill. This is also the day of the Tahoe Mountain Man contest, in which contestants compete in such local events as scaring away a bear, putting on chains, snow shoveling, and climbing giant berms (Putting on chains? I always thought true Tahoe Mountain Men drove All Wheel Drive).
March 3rd. Zano’s Godfather Pizza Eating Challenge. Ice cream and hot dog eating contests might appeal to some folks, but getting to eat a four pound pizza all by yourself, now you are talking.
March 8th is Kings Beach Day. The Kings Beach version of a pancake breakfast, and Parade followed by the Dress Up your Dog Contest. That evening come to Squaw Valley for the Lunafest Film, Food and Wine Event. It’s a fundraiser for Girls on the Run with wine and food tasting, and a lineup of award winning, inspiring films.