The 46th Whitefish Winter Carnival kicks off Saturday with the Merry Maker dinner and roast at 6 p.m. at the Great Northern Bar and Grill on Central Avenue.

| January 8, 2005 1:00 AM

Whitefish Winter Carnival kicks off today

The new prime minister and Duchess of Lark will be announced.

Dinner tickets are available for $15 at the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, the Whitefish Credit Union and the Great Northern. Call 862-3501 for information.

National Ski Fest this weekend in Essex

The Izaak Walton Inn in Essex hosts the National Ski Fest today and Sunday. Free cross-country ski lessons for beginners start at 11 a.m. both days, taught by Mark Ambre, backcountry guide at the inn.

Enjoy games, races and snow sculpture competitions. Sportsman and Ski Haus and Rocky Mountain Outfitter will also have demonstration equipment available including snowshoes, skis and other winter gear.

There will be free horse-drawn sleigh rides offered by Three Dog Down of Polson and a slide show on ski history by Bob Frauson of the 10th Mountain Division.

The inn will provide free trail passes to all participants. All are also invited to tonight's bonfire celebration.

For more information, call 406-888-5700.