SnowFest! continues with events this week

The 34th annual SnowFest! winter carnival started with a bang last Friday at Squaw Valley, where Katie Butterfield, from North Tahoe High School, was crowned as the 2015 Queen.

The fun continued all day Saturday, highlighted by the annual Tahoe City parade and the Polar Bear Swim at Gar Woods in Carnelian Bay. Adding to the excitement, of course, was the fact it snowed much of Friday night and Saturday.

The fun continues through the weekend. Below is a list of upcoming SnowFest! events. Visit http://www.tahoesnowfestival.com for updated information.

Thursday, March 5

5:30-7:30 p.m.: Meet the Squaw Rescue Dogs!

Where: North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, 100 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City

Description: The Squaw Valley Rescue Dogs are ready for a tail-wagging good time. Learn how they save lives and become rescue dogs. Get your picture taken with a furry friend. All photo proceeds go to the Squaw Valley Avalanche Rescue Dog and Education Fund. Complimentary adult and child beverages provided.

5:30-7:30 p.m.: SnowFest! Skills & Prowess Test

Where: The Blue Agave Restaurant, 425 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City

Description: Contestants will show their prowess and compete in a basketball, football and hockey skills test. Skills include free throws and 3-point shots, hockey goal scoring and football passing accuracy. Prizes awarded. Sign up at Blue Agave or the Tahoe City Downtown Association office. Proceeds will benefit the TCDA Fourth of July fireworks.

Friday, March 6

5-8 p.m.: 7th Annual Bridgetender Rib Fest

Where: Bridgetender, 65 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City

Description: Enjoy the great ribs at the BT for the 7th Annual Rib Fest. An outdoor extravaganza of barbecued ribs will take place on the outside patio and bar, with lots of great ribs and drink to be had by all, starting at 5 p.m. and going until the ribs are all gone.

Saturday, March 7

8:30-10:30 a.m.: NTPUD Pancake Breakfast

Where: North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach

Description: Enjoy hot pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream, accompanied by sausage, orange juice, hot chocolate, milk and coffee. Bring your family and friends. Eight dollars for adults, $3 for children and kids 3 and under are free. All proceeds benefit “Dog Day in the Park” and “Friends of the Park”. Sponsored by the North Tahoe Public Utility District.

10-11 a.m.: Dress Up Your Dog contest

Where: North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach

Description: Dress up your dogs! Prizes for different categories and free entrance into the Kings Beach Parade to follow. Stroll with your prized pooches down the parade route in Kings Beach. Sponsored by the TNT-TMA.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Kings Beach SnowFest! Parade

Where: Downtown Kings Beach

Description: The Kings Beach SnowFest! Parade brings joy to downtown Kings Beach! North Tahoe Business Association hosts this annual fun-filled event featuring entertaining entries from 30-40 local community and non-profit organizations and businesses. Spectators are invited to watch the parade which travels east along Highway 28 in downtown Kings Beach. To participate in the parade or for more info call 530-546-9000. Free to watch. All ages welcome.

12:30 p.m.: Kings Beach SnowFest Parade After-Party

Where: On The Grid’s Love Boat Float

Description: DJs will be on board entertaining. Drink and food specials with party going until dark.

1-3 p.m.: Snow What? Snow Building Contest

Where: Kings Beach Library, 310 Secline Street, Kings Beach

Description: Come to the Library after the Kings Beach SnowFest! Parade for a snow sculpting contest. Fun, great event for the entire family. Free event. All ages and abilities are welcome. Prizes and awards. More info on Facebook.

4-8 p.m.: TEA Winter Expo

Where: Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village

Description: Hands-on, interactive showcase of winter activities for all ages — snow sculpting, cross-country skiing, snow shelter building, avalanche preparedness and more. Bring the whole family for a free afternoon and evening filled with educational, adventure-based exhibitions.

6-10 p.m.: LUNAFEST Film, Food and Wine

Where: Olympic Village Lodge, Olympic Valley

Description: Tickets include wine tasting, sampling of local cuisine, silent auction, and award-winning films. The short films will compel discussion, make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings and motivate you to make a difference in your community. Proceeds benefit Girls on the Run — Sierras and the Breast Cancer Fund. Admission is $35 in advance and $45 on the day of. Ages 21+. For more info go to http://www.girlsontherunsierras.org/events.

7 p.m. to midnight: Kings Beach “After 8” SnowFest Mardis Gras Masquerade

Where: North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach

Description: Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. Grammy-nominated Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic deliver soulful and traditional world/zydeco/blues. Begin the evening with free zydeco dance instruction. Costumes and masks encouraged. Prizes will be awarded. Admission is $20 for 18+ and $5 for under 18. Proceeds benefit “Friends of the Park.”

7-9:30 p.m.: SnowFest! Cocktail Bingo

Where: Community Art Center, 10046 Church Street, Truckee

Description: Come celebrate winter “Truckee Style” with the SnowFest! Cocktail Bingo at the Community Art Center. This is a Truckee Downtown Merchants Association event. All ages are welcome, $10 per bingo card for first two cards. $5 for each additional card.

Sunday, March 8

1-5 p.m.: Tahoe Donner Ididarun

Where: Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, Truckee

Description: Dogs pulling covered wagon sleds across a snow-covered course against the clock. This is a great event for spectators. Best views from the track side or on the Ski Lodge deck. Event sign ups start at noon, and the race begins at 1 p.m. Raffle proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Tahoe -Truckee All ages welcome to watch. Four different dog categories, $20 per entry

2-5 p.m.: River Ranch’s Snow or Sand Sculpting Contest

Where: River Ranch Lodge, Corner of State Route 89 and Alpine Meadows Road

Description: Tahoe Redneck Beach Party. Barbecue and DJ on the patio and a Baywatch reunion all in one. The patio will be in full swing with a bar serving beer, drink specials and more. Snow/sand judging takes place at 3 p.m. Team awards at 3:30 p.m. Raffle at 4 p.m. Raffle with awesome prizes and proceeds to benefit Disabled Sports USA Far West. All ages.

7:30-9:30 p.m.: Fine ‘n Funky Fashion Show

Where: Jake’s On the Lake, 780 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City

Description: Come check out the latest and hottest fashion, showcased by the most beautiful ladies at Tahoe. Always a fun event and a great way to close out SnowFest! Visit http://www.shopfinenfunky.com or http://www.jakestahoe.com to learn more.