The Winter Carnival is an annual event for the city of McCall, Idaho that has become renowned all over the country and draws large crowds of visitors for all the events. Since its small beginning in 1924, when it was just a sports carnival, it has grown over the decades and is now one of the premier winter events in the state. What started out as a three-day event has now expanded into one that lasts for six days at the end of January and the beginning of February each year.
Tickets are sold for attending the events for each day, such as comedy night and Monet Carlo night. Bingo is held at the McCall Golf Course and it is so popular that advance tickets sell out very quickly leaving none to sell at the door. A second Bingo game has open seating so if you miss out on the first one, you are almost sure to get a seat for the second one. And, if you truly love playing Bingo you might want to attend both games or even the one on the last night of the carnival.
The snow sculpture contest is one of the prime attractions of the Winter Carnival, both for contestants and the spectators. Awards are given for the first five top places in the contest and if this is your first time entering, you might just win the First Timer’s Award. Some of the other awards for the snow sculptures include the best sculpture by a student, the most photogenic and the best sculpture featuring a home and family concept.
Children are encouraged to take part in the carnival by following the instructions on how to make their own lanterns which they use to light their way in the Children’s Torchlight Parade. There is a Kid’s Graffiti Wall and a mini-carnival with fun-filled events just for the littlest participants. Children 12 and under can also compete in the Family SnoCross Race. You don’t need to have experience with this type of racing in order to become one of the competitors. Since the carnival takes place in winter, you know there will be winter activities, such as having loads of fun on the tubing hill and a dance for the teenagers.
How would you like to play golf in the winter – on snowshoes? This is another of the unique events in which you can participate when you come to McCall for Winter Carnival. The carnival also coincides with celebrations held before the beginning of Lent and there is a Mardi Gras Parade to enjoy.
Taste the yummy delights at the craft fair and perhaps purchase some homemade crafts for your home or even as gifts for your family and friends. It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping and why not get some of it done while visiting McCall?
Music and dancing fills the nightly activities during this event with bands playing entertaining the crowds and a dance for the adults. Fireworks fill the night sky to the delight of the onlookers and each year they seem to be getting bigger and better. Make your plans now to be in McCall for the Winter Carnival in 2011.
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