66 Whitefish Winter Carnival highlights - one from every year of the Carnival so far! Also, 17 color photos from the 1970 Winter Carnival published digitally for the first time.
1 Special Moment from Every Year of the Whitefish Winter Carnival
(& 2 from 1982 and 1985)
To celebrate the Winter Carnival this year, we collected one fun memory from every year of Whitefish's famous celebration! Read on to learn about the 400-person kazoo band, Canadian disruptions, World Championships, and the year over 1,200 people came together to work on the Carnival.
Also, please enjoy these color photos from the 1970 Winter Carnival. This is the first time these 17 photos have been available for public viewing and we hope you enjoy them!
1960
“Included in the parade besides the four cutters full of dignitaries will be: Mounted riders from the Mountain Trails Saddle Club, skiers on foot from the Whitefish Ski Club bearing torches which will for the sole illumination for the procession, Cub Scout packs, the Whitefish High School band, the Hinderman Ski School instructors in uniform, The Big Mountain Ski Patrol, Eskil Swanson’s bob sled with a youthful sled team, and various individual comedy entries sponsored by organizations in Whitefish.
The parade will be climaxed by a ceremony officially opening the four-day Whitefish Winter Carnival. Taking part will be the St. Paul Royalty, Queen Jackie Hythecker of the Whitefish fete, and King Ullr I, Jack Zerr of Whitefish.
Later in the evening, fireworks will burst over the Big Mountain, and there will be torchlight skiing.
If it is a clear night, the fireworks, fired from the top of Mully’s Mound, should be visible over most of the valley. Then a parade of skiers bearing torches will wind down the mountain.
Final event of the evening will be a night slalom contest, with the gates marked by pots of burning oil. The Hinderman Ski School will race against the Big Mountain Ski patrol.”
- Wed, Mar 9, 1960, Daily Inter Lake
1961
“Carnival officials warned that an invasion by the Yetis, abominable snowmen of the fete, can be expected. A new carnival fun - making group, Big Mountain Pete and his Peabrains, a penguin act, also is apt to show up, although, like the snowmen, they do not announce their appearance in advance.”
- Fri, Feb 3, 1961, Daily Inter Lake
1962
“A new Winter Carnival costume group, the Klumsy Klowns, made their debut at Friday’s coronation . . . . Like other costume groups associated with celebration, the Klowns remain anonymous.”
- Thu, Feb 8, 1962, Whitefish Pilot
1963
“Ever seen a real live reindeer? Several of the much-talked of but seldom-seen beasts are coming to Whitefish for the 1963 Winter Carnival next month, announced Bob Spears, Carnival street events chairman.
The reindeer are the genuine articles, brought originally from near Nome, Alaska. Their home is Reindeer Ranch, Redmond, Ore.
Spears said he has arranged for John Zumstein, operator of Reindeer Ranch, to bring several animals and a sleigh to Whitefish for the entire carnival, Feb. 15, 16 and 17.”
- Thu, Jan 10, 1963, Whitefish Pilot
1964
“Saturday is costume day for everyone. Highlighting the daytime program will be a 1:30 p.m. parade on Central Avenue. Anyone in costume may join it.”
- Thu, Feb 13, 1964, Daily Inter Lake
1965
“Last year, the Whitefish Winter Carnival had a Centennial theme . . . . Tomorrow, the 1965 parade will be staged starting at 1:30 p.m. with a Lilacs in Snow theme. Reigning over the Carnival is King Ullr VI (Dr. Bruce McIntyre), Prime Minister Dale Howke and Queen Marcia Monroe.”
- Fri, Feb 12, 1965, Daily Inter Lake
1966
“Gov. Tim Babcock will attend the dedication of the Whitefish Airport Saturday and will later be grand marshall of the Winter Carnival parade.”
- Fri, Feb 18, 1966, Daily Inter Lake
1967
“This is all good preparation for the rally which will be conducted during the Winter Carnival at Whitefish. Snowmobile events make their debut this year at the annual festivities. They will begin Friday, Feb. 17, under the lights of the high school athletic field with races for the entire family. Saturday the valley mayors will participate in a quarter-mile closed course race after the parade.”
- Sun, Jan 8, 1967, Daily Inter Lake
1968
“According to Ted and Faith Hansen, chairmen of the program, King Ullr VI has issued a challenge to any and all comers in a down-hill slalom race. The winner of this event will be crowned King Ullr IX.”
- Thu, Feb 1, 1968, Daily Inter Lake
1969
“In the shifting version of a kaleidoscope the Whitefish Winter Carnival is rapidly gaining momentum in the build-up for events six weeks away.
Bob Sullivan, chairman of the 1969 Winter Carnival, has 24 separate committees working on various facets to combine in the three day fun celebration Feb, 14-16. Royal guests of this year’s event will be the Sun Dusters of Yakima, Wash., with 16 couples representing the Central Washington area.”
- Sun, Jan 5, 1969, Daily Inter Lake
1970
“Entertainment will come from the Whitefish High School Small Group under the direction of Al Olson. The now 10 members of the Black Knights, past kings of the winter carnival, will participate in a two-act skit with King Ullr XI to be introduced during this presentation.”
- Thu, Jan 22, 1970, Daily Inter Lake
1971
“Rudy Gertch outdid himself on the jumping event at Sunday’s skijoring event in the Whitefish Winter Carnival—he didn't place.
But he went on to take third place in the slalom, which he didn’t even run.
The reason for the complications was simple enough: Gertch broke his leg in the jump and sat out the slalom event in the hospital getting the fracture set. His replacement in the slalom, Sue Gowdy, took third place.”
- Mon, Feb 15, 1971, Daily Inter Lake
1972
“The story of the carnival is of hundreds of persons who have given unselfishly of their time and talents, examples too numerous to mention. The original committee has grown into a group of 1,200 persons working on the carnival — more than one-third of the population”
- Tue, Feb 8, 1972, Daily Inter Lake
1973
“Snow sculpture with a grand prize of $60 begins Saturday at 1:30 p.m. under the direction of Dr. John Atchinson for the 14th annual Winter Carnival.
A total of $120 in prize money will be awarded to snow sculptors in four categories including a grand prize and prizes in adult division, high school division and junior high division.”
- Fri, Feb 2, 1973, Daily Inter Lake
1974
“Today's highlights include snowmobile races at 10 a.m., chariot races at 11 a.m. and skijoring events at 1 p.m.”
- Sun, Feb 10, 1974, Daily Inter Lake
1975
“The Whitefish Winter Carnival affectionately has been referred to as the ‘Mardi Gras of the Pacific Northwest.’
A Somers man aims to add the New Orleans jazz festival atmosphere to the annual parade by organizing a rootin’, tootin’ tin-can drummin’ kazoo band.
Everyone is asked to participate, Terry McEneaney says, and the more participants the better.
The University of Montana graduate hopes to have at least 400 persons stomping, humming their kazoos and enjoying themselves Feb. 8 in Whitefish.”
- Wed, Jan 29, 1975, Daily Inter Lake
1976
“Following the coronation of Queen of the Snows for the 1976 Winter Carnival will be the Carnival Ball, this year featuring the music of “Smile." The ball is a costumed event, and magnums of champagne will be awarded to those judged to have the best costumes following a bicentennial theme.”
- Thu, Jan 22, 1976, Daily Inter Lake
1977
“The rain dampened some heads and feet, but no spirits as the Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade got under way Saturday. This year spectators lining the parade route could warm themselves at one of several sidewalk vending stands and cheer floats at the same time”
- Sun, Feb 13, 1977, Daily Inter Lake
1978
“Whoever is crowned king Saturday, though, may need a well-padded bank account to go along with his title, since under some sort of pre-Viking code, the king pays his own way, wardrobe and trappings, while his queen gets it all — the proceeds of the $25 per couple ball — for clothes and travels in 1978.”
- Thu, Jan 19, 1978, Daily Inter Lake
1979
“An original “Van Gogh” shielded the 1979 Whitefish Winter Carnival Queen of the Snow from the audience at the Coronation Ball Saturday night. Seconds later, Queen Linda Rupp burst through the painting to join the other royalty. Master of Ceremonies Don Carison and Prime Minister Bud Scotten assisted the breathless queen's entrance.”
- Mon, Jan 29, 1979, Daily Inter Lake
1980
“Gov. Tom Judge became Citizen Tom Judge as he had the opportunity to go back to the horse and buggy days ... well ... sleigh days, during the Whitefish Winter Carnival. Riding in the Saturday parade, Judge got to watch the citizens of the Flathead Valley lining the parade route. It was fun time instead of politics. The governor has yet to announce whether he will seek a third term.”
- Sun, Feb 10, 1980, Daily Inter Lake
1981
“The Whitefish Winter Carnival crowd was smaller than usual and “pretty good in comparison to other years," according to Whitefish Police Chief George Wartnow.
He guessed that somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 people watched the parade Saturday. Saturday night — the usual time for the most trouble — found the bars and streets of Whitefish crowded, but with a “decent crowd,” Wartnow said. “The people seemed to be happy, not rowdy as in other years."”
- Mon, Feb 9, 1981, Daily Inter Lake
1982
“While Whitefish officials are gearing up for the weekend's Whitefish Winter Carnival which starts today, visitors are reminded that several fines for drinking-related violations have been increased since last year.
The fine for open container violation is now $100, up from $25 last year.
And disturbing the peace fines, which include urinating in public, have gone from $50 last year to $250.
The dramatic increases in city fines stemmed from efforts by Chief of Police Howard Sellers and City Judge Richard Maddux to cut down on the rash of rowdy incidents during Winter Carnival.”
- Fri, Feb 5, 1982, Daily Inter Lake
1982 #2
“I feel it went extremely well,” said Chief of Police Howard Sellers. The department made more arrests than last year, but officers were able to attend to more serious violators Police logs show that over the weekend, some 41 persons were arrested.
And contrary to some beliefs, Canadians were not a major factor.”
- Thu, Feb 11, 1982, Daily Inter Lake
1983
“Sellers made reported from Friday 27 arrests evening through Sunday noon, down from 84 arrests made in the same time period of the 1982 carnival. Sellers said almost all arrests were alcohol-related. There were two fights and one car break-in. Two of those arrested were Canadians records showed. Last year one Canadian was arrested during carnival time.”
- Mon, Feb 7, 1983, Daily Inter Lake
1984
“Hot air balloons add color to the already-colorful Whitefish Winter Carnival on Saturday afternoon as thousands lined the streets to see the hour-long parade. The parade included queens from carnivals past, back to 1961. The 1984 carnival is the 25th edition of the annual event.”
- Sun, Feb 5, 1984, Daily Inter Lake
1985
“Four National Football League players — two each from the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos — will be grand marshals of this year's Whitefish Winter Carnival parade, carnival president Hal Bennett announced today.
The Seahawks' Mike Tice and Don Dufek and the Broncos’ Rick Dennison and Jim Ryan will attend all carnival events.
Ryan and Dennison are both Bronco linebackers. Dennison is a Kalispell native and a former Colorado State University All-American who has been a Bronco since 1981.
Dufek, a defensive back, is the only remaining original Seahawk on the team. Tice, a four-year Seahawk veteran, plays tight end.”
- Tue, Feb 5, 1985, Daily Inter Lake
1985 #2
“"I never thought the thing would last that long." marveled Norm Kurtz, one of the dozen persons responsible for the first carnival in 1960.
It almost didn't. Two years ago, the once-vibrant community celebration nearly succumbed to apathy. But founding father Kurtz couldn’t stand to see it die and almost singlehandedly willed it to continue.
For his effort, he got to be chairman of the 1983 celebration, just as he had been chairman of the first carnival.
“It was a whole hell of a lot easier the second time," he said.”
- Mon, Jan 14, 1985, Daily Inter Lake
1986
“The Whitefish Winter Carnival begins tonight on The Big Mountain where Bob Lawson as King Ullr XXVII and Betty Mace as Queen of the Snows will formally open the three-day celebration.
Saturday festivities will be centered in downtown Whitefish, where a carnival and street games will precede the grand parade featuring costumed Yetis and Vikings.”
- Fri, Jan 24, 1986, Daily Inter Lake
1987
“A Winter Carnival teen dance will be held Friday at the Masonic temple in Whitefish, sponsored by the Winter Carnival Association and American Legion Baseball.”
- Wed, Feb 4, 1987, Daily Inter Lake
1988
“This year's Whitefish Winter Carnival parade will have 31 grand marshals — members of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps with the Continental Color Guard from Fort Meyer, Va.
The corps and color guard have acted as the Army’s official ceremonial unit in the nation's capital since 1948. The precision drill team, wearing colonial uniforms, appears regularly at the White House, the State Department and Arlington National Cemetery.
The parade, which will also feature the Budweiser Clydesdales, is scheduled for 12:30 p.m Saturday in downtown Whitefish.”
- Sun, Jan 31, 1988, Daily Inter Lake
1989
“For the first time in 30 years, the Whitefish Winter Carnival parade will be indoors. The severe winter weather caused the change from the traditional parade on Whitefish's Central Avenue, said David Sommer, carnival publicity chairman.
All outside activities for the carnival have been moved to the Whitefish Mountain Mall, starting at noon Saturday.”
- Thu, Feb 2, 1989, Daily Inter Lake
1990
“Flathead Valley Jazz Society will sponsor the appearance of jazz bands downtown after the parade. Other post-parade activities will include street games and a skating party. Food booths will operate, ice sculptures will be on view and the Whitefish Art Walk, a downtown art display that has been in place all week, will continue.”
- Wed, Feb 7, 1990, Daily Inter Lake
1991
“Council member Dick Peterson criticized the Montana Highway Patrol's roadblock Friday, during Winter Carnival.
“Whitefish has only one function annually, and I think that was just plain harassment,” he said.
“I had people call and say they weren’t coming,” added Fisher.”
- Tue, Feb 5, 1991, Daily Inter Lake
1992
“After the parade, pie and coffee will be served from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, accompanied by the tunes of local jazz musicians. Other groups from the Flathead Valley Jazz Society will perform free at downtown restaurants during the afternoon.”
- Wed, Feb 5, 1992, Daily Inter Lake
1993
“At the Mountain Trails Ice Center, a hockey tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday. Sunday evening, there will be an “Icetravaganza” skating show, featuring local professional Peggy Amelon and about 100 local students. Nationally-ranked amateurs Gig Siruno, who recently finished first in national men’s figure skating competition, and pairs skaters Steve Moore and Holly Benson, who finished 12th, will perform. Ice dancer Ron Brevik, who performed at last year’s show, will return.”
- Wed, Feb 3, 1993, Daily Inter Lake
1994
“The Good Tyme Jazz Band will appear in three concerts the weekend of Feb. 4-6, and other bands will also be performing in conjunction with Winter Carnival festivities the same weekend.
…..
The band will also appear with other bands Feb. 5 at the Winter Carnival Jazz Party in Whitefish. Also scheduled to appear are the Don Lawrence Orchestra, Rod Fisher's Jazzbusters, Arnie Carruthers and friends, Nina Russell, and the Sandy Sanderson trio.”
- Fri, Jan 28, 1994, Daily Inter Lake
1995
“Snow sculpture contests have been canceled because of lack of snow in town.
The Whitefish Art Walk continues through Sunday, with displays by 40 Flathead Valley artists in 28 stores and galleries around the community. Colorful exhibits fill shop windows, and all the artwork is for sale.”
- Wed, Feb 1, 1995, Daily Inter Lake
1996
“This year’s carnival, planned for Feb. 2-4, follows the theme “Way Out West in Whitefish,” and is intended to be more “casual and low-cost,” according to Deborah Quick, one of the organizers. More children’s categories for the grand parade Feb. 3 will allow for a bigger number of participants, she added.”
- Thu, Jan 4, 1996, Daily Inter Lake
1997
“A last-minute scramble for signatures at the Whitefish Winter Carnival pushed Let Whitefish Vote Inc. over the top in its petition drive to put the Iron Horse subdivision issue to a public vote.
If the required number of signatures are verified as those of voters living within 4 1/2 miles of Whitefish, there will be a public election on the plan to build a large subdivision on The Big Mountain.
The group needed signatures of 1,125 registered voters; it collected 1,403 names before the 5 p.m. Monday deadline, said Scott Sorensen, chairperson of Let Whitefish Vote Inc.
“We had a dozen people working the crowd at the carnival,” Sorensen said. “We had almost enough signatures before that, but it gave us the buffer zone we needed.””
- Tue, Feb 11, 1997, Daily Inter Lake
1998
“The 50th anniversary of The Big Mountain sets the tone for this year’s Whitefish Winter Carnival, which will celebrate “A Tribute to Sports and Recreation.”
Carnival activities started in early January and will culminate next weekend.
Leading off the festivities will be a torchlight ski exhibition and fireworks on The Big Mountain at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Ice sculptures will be on display; anyone interested in competing for sculpture honors can contact…”
- Tue, Feb 3, 1998, Daily Inter Lake
1999
“Anyone with a warm feeling for Special Olympics can take a cold dunk in the Whitefish River at the Penguin Plunge during the Whitefish Winter Carnival.
The event, coordinated by area law enforcement agencies, is a fund-raiser to benefit Montana’s 2,400 Special Olympics athletes. Proceeds will help support year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Plunge participants will meet at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Riverside Park in Whitefish. Sheriff Jim Dupont has challenged other area law enforcement agencies to take the plunge along with a team from his department. But anyone can take part.”
- Sun, Jan 17, 1999, Daily Inter Lake
2000
“It's the 21st Century, and the rules have changed.
For the first time in the 40-year history of the Whitefish Winter Carnival, the prime minister is a woman, and the queen is married. The carnival is catching up with the times.
For four decades, selection of the carnival royalty was based on certain guidelines: The king was a man who had contributed a lot to his community; the queen was young, single, personable and attractive; and the prime minister was a guy who was involved in civic activities and, as immediate past prime minister Ron Rosenberg puts it, “willing to make a fool of one-self.””
- Sun, Jan 23, 2000, Daily Inter Lake
2001
“A new event is taking shape for the Whitefish Winter Carnival.
Snow-sculpting contests have been held in the past, but this year the competition moves to a higher level.
The first annual state snow-sculpting contest gets under way in Whitefish Feb. 1. Winterfun Inc. will sanction the event, and winners earn a trophy and round-trip transportation to the national snow-sculpting contest in 2002.
The contest challenges Montana artists to create a masterpiece without the use of mechanized tools or structural supports. Each team is provided with an 8-cubic-foot block of packed snow.”
- Thu, Jan 25, 2001, Daily Inter Lake
2002
“The Whitefish Winter Carnival X-Country Ski Race is Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Whitefish Lake golf course. The Glacier Nordic Club hosts the citizen’s race at the golf course trails.
Distances are a 1K kids race to 3K, 5K and a 12K long race. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m.”
- Thu, Jan 31, 2002, Daily Inter Lake
2003
“The Whitefish Winter Carnival gets a new twist this year with the addition of skijoring, a sport that involves two things the Flathead has plenty of: skiers and horseback riders.
Skijoring is Norwegian for “ski driving.”
It is known mainly as a sport where skiers are pulled behind dogs, but Americans have adapted it with horses. Winter carnival used to have skijoring but it was discontinued in 1983.
Skijoring will make its comeback with competition today and Sunday at the Whitefish City Airport.”
- Sat, Feb 8, 2003, Daily Inter Lake
2004
“During Winter Carnival, Deputy Mayor Doug Adams gave the key to Whitefish to Glen Plake, who is something of an icon in the extreme sports world.”
- Sun, Feb 22, 2004, Daily Inter Lake
2005
“Although many of the outdoor events scheduled for the Winter Carnival were canceled this year due to lack of snow, this year’s carnival theme, “Trains, Trees and Skis,” targeted what is always in abundance in Whitefish, along with a community that, year after year, turns out in hearty support of its traditional carnival.
“None of the activities could happen without the enthusiasm and support of the committee, business community, and all the fantastic citizens of Whitefish and the surrounding area,” writes committee member Rod Juno.”
- Sat, Feb 26, 2005, Daily Inter Lake
2006
“WHAT’S NOT well known is the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s attempt to steal away the idea of a winter carnival, Kurtz said. Kalispell chamber officials offered to buy Kurtz’s original detailed draft of a carnival schedule and events.
“I told them I had written it on [Whitefish] chamber time, so I took it to the Whitefish board and they said ‘hell, no. If there’s going to be a carnival, it will be in Whitefish,’ ” Kurtz said.”
- Sun, Jan 29, 2006, Daily Inter Lake
2007
“Another fixture that would fall by the wayside is the popular Keystone Cops and their paddy wagon in the Whitefish Winter Carnival parade.
“The kids absolutely love it,” Ennor said.”
- Mon, Feb 5, 2007, Daily Inter Lake
2008
“Organizers of the Whitefish Carnival’s skijoring competition are expecting a turnout that will exceed last year’s, partly because the competition is being expanded.
“We had 40 teams last year and we expect to double that this year,” said Scott Ping, a lead coordinator for an event that involves horses pulling skiers through a circular course of gates and jumps.”
- Thu, Jan 17, 2008, Daily Inter Lake
2009
“Whitefish will put a wrap on its 50th annual Winter Carnival this weekend with a busy agenda built around the theme, “Fables, Frivolity & Fairytales.”
A few extras have been added to commemorate the golden anniversary, including a display of historic carnival memorabilia at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake and a penguin display at Nelson Hardware in downtown Whitefish.”
- Thu, Feb 5, 2009, Daily Inter Lake
2010
“For the first time in the 51-year history of the Whitefish Winter Carnival, the people selected to be King Ullr and the Queen of the Snows are married in real life.
Jim Stack is the new king and Lisa Stack is the new queen. They were crowned Saturday night in Whitefish.”
- Sun, Jan 24, 2010, Daily Inter Lake
2011
“There’s a new event at the Whitefish Winter Carnival on Saturday and it involves free beer. Need we say more?
With true carnival spirit and a penchant for a great party, Great Northern Brewing Co. in Whitefish will play host to the Black Stay Beer Barter, a competition that will allow contestants to offer over-the-top, outrageous barter proposals in exchange for the grand prize – 52 cases (a year’s supply if you drink a case a week) of Black Star Beer. That’s 1,248 bottles of beer on the wall.”
- Tue, Feb 1, 2011, Daily Inter Lake
2012
“The Whitefish Winter Carnival has been named one of the top 10 winter carnivals in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
The January/February issue detailed the best of the best carnivals, with Whitefish ranked in 10th place.”
- Tue, Jan 17, 2012, Daily Inter Lake
2013
“The World Ski Joring Championships are this weekend as part of Whitefish Winter Carnival. Ski joring involves a horse and rider pulling a skier around a course at high speeds, with the skier navigating over jumps and around slalom gates.”
- Fri, Jan 25, 2013, Daily Inter Lake
2014
“The fate of the popular Beer Barter event at the Whitefish Winter Carnival will be decided tonight by the Whitefish City Council.
Great Northern Brewing Co. has appealed a decision by the city to deny a special-events permit request to close a portion of Central Avenue in downtown Whitefish for the fourth annual Beer Barter competition.
The Beer Barter is a competition that allows contestants to offer over-the-top, outrageous barter proposals in exchange for a year’s supply of Great Northern beer. More than 1,000 spectators are expected this year.”
- Mon, Feb 3, 2014, Daily Inter Lake
2015
“At The Springs at Whitefish, residents in the assisted-living home voted for royalty for the Whitefish Winter Carnival, bestowing king and queen honors on two seniors at the center and two more at Footsteps, the memory-care unit attached to The Springs.
Ed Gray and Phyllis Bouton were crowned king and queen of The Springs at Whitefish while Patrick Barrera and Gail Litchfield were crowned king and queen of Footsteps.”
- Tue, Feb 10, 2015, Daily Inter Lake
2016
“Whitefish Winter Carnival,” a documentary film about the history of Winter Carnival and the people behind the event, will be shown Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Crush Lounge in Whitefish. The documentary was produced by local filmmakers Adam Pitman and Jake Cook. The film uses footage from the 50th anniversary Carnival in 2009 as well as archived film and photos. Pitman is the narrator as he takes the audience on the Carnival journey through his eyes.”
- Wed, Jan 27, 2016, Daily Inter Lake
2017
“The Glacier Nordic Club is bringing back its Whitefish Winter Carnival weekend Classic Ski & Race for the first time in many years.
Classic skiing is the traditional form of Nordic skiing, also known as diagonal stride which is usually skied in tracks. The Ski & Race will take place Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Nordic Center at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course. There will be 1K, 4K and 12K distances starting at 9 am. Winter Carnival-themed or traditional Nordic ski costumes are encouraged. Entry fees are free for the 1K; the 4K is $10 and the 12K is $15.”
- Wed, Feb 1, 2017, Daily Inter Lake
2018
“Whitefish will welcome home Maggie Voisin with a hometown celebration today. Voisin placed fourth in the Olympic Slopestyle event in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
The community is encouraged to gather along Central Avenue at 4 p.m. as the Whitefish Fire Department gives her an honorary fire truck ride through downtown.
After the ride, Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfield will make a special proclamation and Whitefish Winter Carnival Royalty will knight Maggie in a ceremony outside the O’Shaughnessy Center.”
- Wed, Mar 7, 2018, Daily Inter Lake
2019
“In keeping with the Whitefish Woodstock theme for this year’s Winter Carnival, the Whitefish Chamber’s annual community awards gala will recognize the “rock stars” of the community ... the businesses and individuals who make Whitefish great.
Instead of three days of “Peace and Music,” enjoy two-plus hours of food, drink, Woodstock-themed ice breakers and a half dozen community awards ... with a little bit of vintage '60s music to help set the stage.”
- Thu, Jan 24, 2019, Daily Inter Lake
2020
“Looking as if they just stepped out of a “Conan the Barbarian” movie, they roam the streets of Whitefish.
Clad in leather and furs, brandishing their swords, shields and even a battle ax, they are the protectresses that keep the townspeople safe from the mischievous Yetis. They may garner curious looks from tourists, but to locals they are a familiar sight. They are the Winter Carnival’s Viking Divas.
Celebrating its 60th year this year, the Whitefish Winter Carnival centers around the legend of King Ullr, a Nordic -god who moved to Big Mountain after becoming disgruntled with his subjects. There he came across the Yetis, a race of half-man, half beasts, who enjoy causing all kinds of mischief.”
- Tue, Feb 4, 2020, Daily Inter Lake
2021
“The frivolity of the annual Whitefish Winter Carnival looks a little different this year.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional carnival events like the Grand Parade have been shelved until next year. However, organizers are planning to continue the tradition of “surviving the gray of middle winter by making merry through a series of interactive challenges” taking place online.
The theme for the LXII Winter Carnival is “Survivor” and features a number of challenges running through the first weekend in February and designed to celebrate the Carnival tradition.”
- Sun, Jan 17, 2021, Daily Inter Lake
2022
“Get ready to be “totally rad” this weekend for the return of the Whitefish Winter Carnival.
After a one-year hiatus of its main events due to the pandemic, this year’s annual celebration of frivolity takes on the theme of “80s Rewind Totally Rad” with events both Saturday and Sunday.”
-February 5, 2022, Daily Inter Lake
2023
In 2023, the Stumptown Historical Society launched the Stumptown Stories newsletter and the very first newsletter we did was about the winter carnival. Winter Carnival Memories celebrates the early fun games of the first few carnivals.
2024
Last year, we tackled the Carnival lore in our Carnival newsletter. There are countless carnival groups. Some of them came and never left while others came and disappeared just as fast: Stories of Yetis, Klowns, and Carnival Mysteries.
2025
What can we say about the Carnival this year? There are memories to be made, so get out there and make them!
Thank you for reading this Stumptown Story about the highlights of the last 66 years of Winter Carnival history!
-The team at the Stumptown Historical Society
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