Inspired by the Payette Lake Winter Games of 1924, McCall’s Winter Carnival celebrates its 55th year of fireworks, parades, live music and dozens of dazzling sculptures!
Drawing upwards of 60,000 people, this year’s Winter Carnival kicks off in downtown McCall on Friday, January 24th with the Children’s’ Torchlight Parade and opening fireworks over Payette Lake. Grab your camera and check out the snow sculptures and the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday followed by the Flashpoint Snowbike Pro finals at the Riverfront Park (near the Smokejumper base). Sunday, the fun and laughs continue with the Monster Dog Pull benefiting the local humane society.
Festivities extend into the following week with plenty of daily events to enjoy throughout McCall. Take advantage of uncrowded ski slopes and sculpture viewing during the days or check out the start of 300-mile Idaho Sled Dog Challenge. Evening events include Idaho winemaker dinners, nightly BINGO, local plays and live music. With ten fun-filled days of Carnival events, there’s something for everybody!
Downtown heats up again for the closing weekend’s events. Legacy Park is full of tasty food vendors and a steady stream live music will be featured on the main stage in Depot Park. The festival closes with a final fireworks farewell over the lake on Saturday evening.
Check out the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce for a full Winter Carnival Event Schedule.
(photo credit: Melissa Shelby Photography)
