The 61st annual Willow State Winter Carnival kicks off this weekend, with a jam-packed schedule of events celebrating the season.

Traditionally, the Willow State Winter Carnival spans two weekends, and that's the case again in 2023. Events run Feb. 17-19 and then again on Feb. 24-26.

On Friday, the carnival kicks off with a dinner and the King and Queen announcement. Things get in full swing on Saturday, Feb. 18. Throughout the day there will be a geocaching event, sled dog races, homesteader games, kids games and the Sven Erikssen 25K tour. On Sunday, there is a 5K ski race, skijoring, and the hilarious outhouse races at 1:30 p.m., among a full day of events. Throughout the carnival, the Willow Community Center will host a craft fair and the kitchen will be open, and there is a pike ice fishing derby taking place. The second weekend of events includes a snowshoe softball tournament, a snomwachine poker run, the telephone toss and a snowshoe scavenger hunt.

Don't miss the 61st annual Willow State Winter Carnival! For a complete schedule, click here.

Photo above courtesy of Around Alaska.