Ready, set, snow!

The town of Encampment will be hosting the 35th Annual Sierra Madre Winter Carnival (ASMWC). Save the date January 28 and 29 for family winter fun. With Multiple events, races and three different cook-offs there is sure to be something for everyone.

Starting the event filled weekend with a pancake breakfast held by the local VFW, and the food doesn't stop there. There are three cook-off competitions to enter with multiple categories in each. Starting with the Chili cook-off contestants can enter a red, white, or green chili to warm up the judges. There are also three categories in the bread cook-off. Contestants can fill the judges with their best yeast, sweet or quick bread recipe. The final cook-off ends on a sweet note with the winter cake competition.

If you've been feeling an artistic itch this winter, the 35th ASMWC may be the perfect place to try out snow painting. Or a wonderful chance to get the kids out and about this winter. It is as simple as it sounds, painting the snow. Snow painting is a great winter activity for kids of all ages. It is a unique way to both introduce your children to the joy of creation and nurture their artistic talent. Kids may love the chance to explore a new medium to create art. Even if your little ones aren't especially creative, the family still may have fun in the snow together. Winter art never looked so cool before! It might be a winter art experience they won't soon forget.

Speaking of snow fun, there are alot of snow centered events at the Winter Carnival. From sled races to snowmobile sprints, contestants with the need for speed can participate in many events. Sled races have been a long time favorite of many Encampment locals. With 35 years running, it's no surprise the parents of many children racing this year participated in the competition as children as well. This is one generational event that seems to be here to stay. If the dare devil in your life needs more excitement, you may want to direct them to the sixth street Snowmachine Sprint. Contestants can show off their need for speed and snow machine skills in the high powered event.

If racing in the snow isn't exactly your speed maybe you'd be intrigued by snow golf. Hosted by The BearTrap, snow golf is played in the exact same way as golf, with one difference being the golf course is covered with snow and ice, rather than the grass. The balls used are colored rather than white, to aid in visibility as well. Using traditional white balls wouldn't seem to make the game very fun. Just because Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, toes and every other part of your body doesn't mean you should put your clubs away for the winter. In fact, some are making a sport of playing golf in the snow. Dedicated golfers in Canada, the United States, China, Korea, Japan, Europe and South America have been enjoying snow golf for some time. The Winter Carnival along with the Bear Trap has brought the sport closer to home.

If the snow and cold just isn't your thing not to fear. The 35th ASMWC really does have something for everyone. Snow Golf is not the only event The Bear Trap will be hosting with a Casino Night on the books for the weekend. You won't have to fly to Vegas to experience the fun and excitement of playing in a real casino this winter. Proceeds of the night will be benefiting the Grand Encampment Opera Company.

There is much fun to be had at the 35th Annual Sierra Madre Winter Carnival, more than could be mentioned in this article. For more details and volunteer opportunities, please contact Encampment town hall at 307-327-5501. Have a safe and fun winter carnival.