Carlton takes on winter

When the weather is cold and the snow piled so high you can't see over the top of it, there's only one thing to do - celebrate!

Yes, it's Winterfest all day long on Saturday, Feb. 8, in Carlton. Whether you like to celebrate winter by curling up with a book or getting outside for fun and games, your wishes will be granted. Unless otherwise indicated, most activities center around the Four Seasons Sports Complex and Event Center.

Take advantage of open hockey from 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. or head over to the Carlton Public Library for a book sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy the Mini Hook and Slice golfing on the outdoor ice rink noon until 3 p.m. next to the Four Seasons.

Bring your own "club" - shovel, broom, bat, hockey stick, tennis racket, anything goes - and play unlimited rounds of 10 holes for $5. Anyone playing also will be entered into a prize drawing for $100 or one of five $25 gift certificates.

Get active during the indoor open family skate from 12:40 to 2:30 p.m.

From 1-3 p.m. sample all kinds of kids activities, including the Zoomobile, face painting, kids games and free books.

And what would a celebration be without food?

Chili cook-off registration begins at 1 p.m. with judging at 1:30 p.m., also in the sports complex. The annual chili cook-off is sponsored by the Carlton Area Lions Club. There is no entry fee and free registration starts a half hour before the cook-off. Have questions or want to judge? Call Joel at 218-451-0715.

There's also a Swedish meatball supper at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 204 Fifth St., from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Meals are available for dine-in or carry-out.

There's more.

The remarkably popular Carlton Fire Department Bingo begins at 7 p.m. at Carlton High School - get there early to get a seat, because this is a big game! Play Bingo all night. All money raised goes toward helping to equip the fire department and volunteers.

During the evening hours from 6 to 9 p.m., Jay Cooke State Park invites everyone to snowshoe, hike or ski on the trails lit by luminaries. For more information, contact the park at 218-673-7005.

Wrap up your day with live music starting at 9 p.m. at the Carlton VFW and Third Base Bar.