Reel in fun this weekend at Winter Carnival

The Daily Inter Lake

Move over, Academy Awards. Whitefish is ready to celebrate its own tribute to the movie industry during this weekend's Winter Carnival.

The theme is "Whitefish Goes to the Movies."

The annual carnival culminates this weekend with a variety of activities, including the ever-popular parade at 3 p.m. Whitefish philanthropists Richard and Carol Atkinson, winners of the Great Whitefish Award, are the parade grand marshals.

The carnival is steeped in tradition and revolves around the mythical Norsk god, Ullr, who reigned over winter activities in the Nordic regions. When the Yetis (abominable snowmen) try to steal the queen and harass the prime minister and interfere with festivities, it's Ullr and his band of followers who send them fleeing back to their haven in the high valleys beyond Whitefish.

Official Winter Carnival buttons are $3 and available all over town or at events.

For more information, call the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce at 862-3501 or visit www.whitefishwintercarnival.com.

Here's a carnival schedule:

Feb. 1-14 - Art Walk, Artists' works displayed throughout Whitefish. The guided tour begins at 5 p.m. Feb. 1, and the reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. at Stumptown Art Studio. Call 862-5929.

Feb. 2 - A Night of Stars is at 7 p.m. at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. The cost $35. Planned are a silent auction and live music featuring the big band stylings of Swinging on High. Dress as your favorite movie stars. A button is required.

Feb. 2-4 - Whitefish International Hockey Tournament. Call 862-2477.

Feb. 3 - Kiddie Carnival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central School Gym.

Feb. 3 - Golden Jammers play from noon to 3 p.m. at the Golden Agers Center. Lunch and live music.

Feb. 3 - Penguin Plunge is at 12:30 p.m. at City Beach on Whitefish Lake. The event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics. Registration is at 10 a.m. Call Judy Gephart at 863-8888; log on to www.somt.org or call 1-800-242-6876.

Feb. 3 - St. Charles Pie Social is at 1 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church.

Feb. 3 - Grand Parade is at 3 p.m. in downtown Whitefish. See floats, animal groups, dancers, drill teams, royalty, and more. Call Angie Meehan at 862-2652 or pick up applications at the Whitefish Chamber office.

Feb. 3 -Yeti Snow Skate Session is immediately after the Grand Parade. Call Paul Coats at 862-2208 or log on to www.geocities.com/yetisnowskatejam. A button is required.

Feb. 3 - Battle of the Bands offers free live music at the taverns.

Feb. 3 - Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade begins as 7 p.m. at Big Mountain.

Feb. 4 - Pancake Breakfast is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Moose Lodge. The cost $6. The Nordic Ski Race is at 1 p.m. at Whitefish Lake Golf Course.

Feb. 10 - Ice Skating Extravaganza "Movie Stars on Ice," is at 7 p.m. at Stumptown Ice Den.