A Winter Worthy of Winterfest

What a difference a year makes! Last year the snow plows were almost idle, the local sled dog race was cancelled and Randy Gravatt was swimming to shore because there wasn’t enough snow in Alaska for the Iron Dog Snowmobile Race. I didn’t even license my sled because there wasn’t enough snow to make it worthwhile.

The ensuing summer saw much of the western forests engulfed in fires that were aided by the lack of winter moisture. Island Park dodged that bullet but not by much as we saw a couple of late season fires crop up last fall.

With a solid three foot base throughout the caldera and a foot or more of fresh powder, it’s a great weekend for Winterfest. It is time to celebrate the moisture that we have been given by reveling in the activities that the glorious white blanket provides. The Island Park Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with other community organizations is sponsoring numerous outdoor events this weekend. Whether you want to ice fish, ride in a horse-drawn sleigh or snowmobile, there is an activity for you in the caldera this weekend.

It is difficult for some to pry themselves away from the warm confines of their home to spend time in the snow. This is the perfect weekend to make your move. The high temperatures are forecasted to be around 30 degrees and the lows around 20. Combine those conditions with fresh powder and a great group of people throwing a party and that is a recipe for a great weekend!

Celebrate the snow that we have been given this winter by participating with us in the activities of Winterfest. 

The Chamber Works for Island Park

The choice to make a life in the mountains implies a desire for a certain amount of isolation.  It is natural to complete whatever tasks the day requires and then settle down in your cabin. The Island Park Chamber of Commerce is always promoting activities for residents, (as well as visitors) in an effort to avoid devolving into a population of hermits.

Last week the Chamber organized a unique display of early snowmobiles, as well as a progressive dinner.

The snowmobiles exhibit was hosted by the Pines and proved quite interesting. It is amazing how far the designs have come. One sled build by Sears looked like a fiberglass shower surround that had been laid on its back and placed on skis!

The progressive dinner was fun. Appetizers were served at The Grind followed by soup or salad and cheese-filled breadsticks at Connie’s. We made our way to the Pines for spaghetti and garlic bread and completed our dinner with dessert at Mountain Mayhem. The food, the service and the company was all excellent. For those who weren’t ready to call it a night, a 70’s themed party was hosted at The TroutHunter.

This weekend the Chamber also hosted a group of veterans, providing them with lodging and food. It was a chance for the soldiers to find a little serenity in life while enjoying Island Park. I believe that the Chamber hopes that antique snowmobile exhibit/progressive dinner can become an annual event and the proceeds can be used to pay the expenses for deserving veterans. 

Thanks for your efforts!