Carlton news

I hope everyone is beginning the new year with family and friends, and a positive look to the future.

Is cabin fever setting in? Well, the city of Carlton has the answer with its Winterfest Celebration, set for Saturday, Feb. 8.

The Winterfest idea was started about 25 years ago to help with the winter blues. In the past there was volleyball and softball in the snow, a fishing contest at Chub Lake, and the Cloquet Rotary organized golfing on the lake. For a couple of years a group brought sled dogs and sleds to give kids and adults the experience of riding a dog sled. A chili cook-off sponsored by the Carlton Area Lions has been held for 23 years. It is a friendly competition between family members and friends, so put your cooking skills to the test and join the fun.

Most of the activities at this year’s Winterfest will be held at the Four Seasons Complex and sponsored by the Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lions. Activities include a 10-hole mini-golf course, the 1 p.m. chili competition, open skating and hockey in the arena, and the always popular Carlton Firemen’s bingo, starting at 7 p.m. in the Carlton High School gym. There will be kids’ activities including a zoomobile 1-3 p.m. at Four Seasons.

Before heading to play bingo, stop by Bethesda Lutheran Church for its Swedish meatball supper from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Cost for adults is $10, children 5 to 10 years eat for $5 and children under 5 eat for free. Take-out is available. Tickets are at the door or from church members. Check out the Carlton Chamber website, http://www.carltonchamber.com for more information.

Other events around Carlton:

Carlton VFW Post 2962 has a steak fry on Saturday, Jan. 18.

• Harold’s Wild Game Feed is set for noon Sunday, Jan. 19.

• The Four Seasons Sports Complex offers open hockey at 10:15 a.m. and open skating at 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. There is also open skating at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays.

• Carlton High School hosts a spaghetti feed Friday, Jan. 17, in the small gym. Tickets are $6 at the door. This is a fundraiser to help with expenses for the homecoming.

Homecoming festivities will be held after the boys basketball game on Feb. 21. The community is welcome to attend the coronation ceremony.

• Carlton High School Choir is offered through the Bulldog Options program. Practices will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday mornings from Jan. 25 to March 14 and will be directed by Shari Herman. Contact Carlton Community Ed at 218-384-4225, x213, for more information.

• Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce meetings are held at noon on the first Wednesday of the month at the Four Seasons Complex.

If anyone has a special community event in Carlton or a special person that should be recognized, please contact Leola Rodd at 218-310-6065 or [email protected].