Snow or not, Winter Carnival is ready to go

Sierra Madre Winter Carnival organizer Alyson Sneddon is hoping for people to do snow dances this week. The lack of snow has made the Sierra Madre Winter Carnival a bit of a challenge for the past several years. “Get your snow dance shoes on and pray for snow,” Sneddon said.

Sneddon, who volunteered to take over the event last spring said she has made changes because of the lack of snow and in some cases lack of participants. The Snow Sculpture contest has been scrapped because the town of Encampment has had to haul snow in. It is too difficult to sculpt snow that is hard and full of gravel and rocks, Sneddon said.

The Treasure Hunt is scheduled for 6 p.m., Friday at the Grand Encampment Opera House Tower meeting room. Participates will follow clues to find the treasure. A dinner is provided for the participants afterward.

The sled races will go on, but the venue may change, Sneddon said. The decision will be made after the Saratoga Sun’s deadline.

There will be traditional sled races, a Make Your Own Sled race and Human Saucer Bowling. Registration for all the races is at 9 a.m., Saturday at 8th and Rankin, in front of the Encampment Presbyterian Church. The races begin at 9:30 a.m., with the traditional sled race. At 10 a.m., is the Make Your Own Sled Race and “Best of Show”, and the Human Saucer Bowling is at 10:30 a.m.

Warm up with a bowl of chili at the VFW Post 6125 chili luncheon fundraiser. Proceeds from the chili luncheon are used for service projects. The luncheon begins at 11 a.m., Willis Greenwood, quartermaster for the VFW said. Chili, desert, cornbread and other goodies will be served by the VFW members. Cost is $5 per person and children under 5 are free, Greenwood said. Lunch will be served until 2 p.m.

Registration for all of afternoon events are at 12:45 p.m., at Grandview Park at 6th and Barnett, with all events taking place there.

Only red and green chili will be judged for the chili competition, Sneddon said.

Competition breads are quick, sweet and yeast breads. Participants can register at the Encampment Town Hall through Friday at 5 p.m., or sign up at The Red Wagon beginning on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Judging begins at 1:15 p.m.

The Sixth Street Sprint begins at 2 p.m., with Snow Golf at 3 p.m. The Winter Carnival planners will provide golf clubs or competitors can bring their favorite clubs.

Those participating in the sprint must wear a helmet and eye protection.

For the inside crowd, Casino Night, sponsored by the Xi Beta Delta Sorority and the Encampment/Riverside Fire Department, begins at 7 p.m., at the Grand Encampment Opera House. The event is for 21 and older and has a $15 entry fee, which includes $25,000 of funny money to use in a variety of games.

Winners will be able to use their proceeds to bid on donated prizes by local businesses, artists and individuals. A silent auction includes artwork and other items.

Proceeds from Casino Night support the Xi Beta Delta scholarship fund and fund equipment for the Encampment/Riverside Fire Department.