Willow has hosted this annual winter festival for more than 50 years. The carnival draws crowds and media coverage from all over Alaska and is a fun event for tourists to experience with a full schedule of events in the dead of winter. The carnival boasts one of the state’s biggest winter fireworks shows, Iditarod qualifying sled dog races, homesteading competitions, $1000 bingo cash pots, talent contests, foot and ski races, entertainment, kids games, a cribbage tournament, and food.

The Willow State Winter Carnival is also a primary fundraising event for the Willow Area Community Council. Funds raised from the carnival support culturally valued groups and activities through the maintenance of the Willow Community Center.

Saturday, January 27th

Bingo & Pull Tabs

6:00 PM Doors Open

6:00 PM Kitchen open by Willow PTA

7:00 PM Games Begin

Friday, February 2nd

5:00 PM Quick Draw Artists Begin

5:00 PM Silent Art Auction

6:00 PM Kick Off Dinner

6:30 PM Willow King & Queen

7:15 PM Fireworks Display

Saturday, February 3rd

8 - 11 - WillowPTA Pancake Breakfast - Willow Elem.

10:30 - Sven Eriksson 25K Tour Bike, Ski, Run - Lakes & Trails

11:00 - Whee Duet - On Stage

11:00 - Billy Taylor 5K Ski Race - Lake

11 - 3 - Geocache Adventure by GeocacheAlaska! - Backyard

11:30 - Kids' Sled Dog Races 1,2,3 Dog - Lake

12:00 - Rock on Cloggers - On Stage

12:00 - Homesteader Games Chain Saw, Crosscut Saw, Wood Chop - Backyard

1:00 - Paws and Taws Square Dance - On Stage

1:00 - Kids Mushing Game - Log Cabin

1:00 - Lead Dog Contest - Lake

1-4 - Kids Games - Backyard

2:00 - Craig Wall - On Stage

2:00 - Skijoring Races - Lake & Trails

2:30 - Stampede Race - Lake

3:00 - Photo Contest Winners Announced - On Stage

3:00 - Bubble Gum Blowing Contest - On Stage

3:30 - Ice Cream Eating Contest - Backyard

4:00 - Ladies 5mi/5dog Twilight Sled Dog Race - Lake

6-9 PM - Fire & Ice Family Dance - Auditorium

Sunday February 4th

8 - 11 - Willow PTA Pancake Breakfast - Willow Elem.

9 - 4 - Kiddie SnoCross by Arctic Minimotor Sports - Front Swamp

10:00 - Borealis Dancers - On Stage

10 - 1 - Poker Run - Lake & Trails

10 - 12 - Pick Up Snowshoe Softball Game - Lake

11:00 - Alaska Polka Chips - On Stage

11 - 3 - Vintage Sled Show & Shine - Backyard & Trails

12:00 - Alaska Button Box Gang - On Stage

12:00 - Homesteader Games Ax Throw, Swede Saw - Backyard

12:00 - Snowshoe Scavenger Hunt - Pavilion

1:00 - Close Enough - On Stage

1 - 4 - Kids Games - Backyard

12 - 2 - Radar Run Snow Machine Race - Lake

12 - 2 - Blind Driver Snow Machine Race - Lake

1:00 - Cribbage Tournament - Auditorium

1:00 - Outhouse Race - Front Swamp

1:30 - Ice Cream Eating Contest - Backyard

2:00 - Pie & Desert Scholarship Auction - On Stage

2:00 - Last Sales (In-Person) for Major Raffle - WACO Booth

3:05 - Mini Raffle Drawings - WACO Booth

3:30 - Major Raffle Drawing - On Stage

4:00 - Wild Alaska Pike Derby Winners Announced - On Stage

Date: Jan 27 - Feb 4, 2024

Location: Various locations in Willow

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