"Celebrate Winter at the 63rd Alaska State Winter Carnival in Willow!"
Contributed by Brenda McCain, Willow Winter Carnival Committee
All Alaskans are invited to enjoy the 63rd State Winter Carnival in Willow, celebrating “The Year of the Malamute,” from January 25 to February 7, 2025, at the Willow Community Center, located at 69.5 Parks Highway. This historic event offers activities for all ages to enjoy both indoors and outdoors, as well as along trails throughout the community.
The festivities begin on Saturday, January 25th, with the exciting new Su Dog 300-mile sled dog race, featuring 25 teams departing at 2 PM. That evening, doors open at 6 PM for Carnival Bingo, which starts at 7 PM. On Monday, January 27th, as Su Dog teams make their return, attendees can enjoy a soup-tasting contest for just $5, allowing participants to taste and vote for their favorites.
The full carnival weekend kicks off on Friday, January 31st, with the Carnival Kick-Off Dinner. Doors open at 5 PM, featuring the Local Artists' Quick Draw and the start of the Alaskan Art Silent Auction. At 6 PM, enjoy a dinner of ribs, beans, coleslaw, and cake. This popular event often sells out, and tickets must be purchased in advance at Newman's Hilltop Marathon, Roni’s Deli, or the Willow Library. Ticket prices are $25 for ages 16 and up, $17 for ages 8 to 15, and free for children under 7 (a ticket is still required). The evening will also include the crowning of the Carnival King and Queen and will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display by Gorilla Fireworks.
On Saturday, February 1st, and Sunday, February 2nd, the Willow Elementary PTA will serve their well-loved breakfast from 8 AM to 11 AM. Carnival activities will run from 10 AM to 4 PM each day. Admission to the carnival is free, with parking costing just $1 per carload; every attendee will receive a door prize ticket. While some competitions require an entry fee, there will be a variety of free and affordable activities to enjoy.
Indoor activities include stage performances, a cribbage tournament, local vendors, an ice cream eating contest, a scholarship pie auction, a mini-raffle, and the sale of Malamute shirts, pins, and magnets. Attendees can also visit the carnival kitchen for refreshments and participate in many more fun-filled events. Large raffle tickets will also be available, with the grand prize being an ATV and many other great prizes.
Outdoor activities include a vintage snowmachine show and snowmachine competitions such as the poker run, blind driver event, and radar run. Guests can also enjoy outhouse races, a snowshoe scavenger hunt, sled dog races, skijoring, kids' games, and the historic Sven Erikson 25k run, ski, bike, and skijor tour. Additional events include homesteader games and a pike derby weigh-in.
The festivities conclude on Friday, February 7th, with the Fire Department hosting a Family Fire & Ice Dance from 6 PM to 10 PM.
For the full carnival schedule, visit https://www.waco-ak.org/committees/carnival/. As Alaska’s State Winter Carnival, this beloved event invites everyone to come together and celebrate winter in Willow.