Winter Carnival Evolution

Winter finally arrived with the Town of Encampment presenting food and fun for the whole family over the past weekend.

Local resident Sandy Martin had an idea in 1987 to roust people out of winter hibernation and make the most of seasonal conditions.

The first three day event took place in March 1988 featuring everything from a poker run to kamikaze ski jumping.

After 38 years, some of the original events remain, starting with a snow sculpture competition on Friday and ending with the popular Casino Night on Saturday.

According to Mary Martin, the first place snow sculpture won by Snow it All/Frasier presented the most fun as the Platte Valley Arts Council judges pretended to play pool on the “Pool Table.”

Other top snow sculpture winners included the Wessel family with two entries titled “Visitors From Outer Space” and “Big 90!”

While some events have faded over the years, some improved ideas have weathered the changes in committees and organizers.

“As participation changed and new ideas came — we moved from hot chocolate cook-offs to today’s chili-cook off events,” said Encampment Town Clerk Doreen Harvey.

Friday night ended with a treasure hunt and Saturday began with VFW Post 6125 providing a donation only pancake breakfast. Kids joined in the activities with human saucer bowling and sled races over the two day event.

In the mix was the chili cook-off, a sixth street sprint and snow golf. The organized fun took the edge off of the blustery cold conditions. Look for a return of the carnival in the Winter of 2026 as another successful break in the season occurred.