Party hearty this winter.

• Author: Dalby, Ron
• Position: Alaska's winter festivals

Blow out the cobwebs and pump up local economies by sampling some of Alaska's finest winter galas.

What do Alaskans do during long winters when its cold and dark? Well ... they play softball on snowshoes, jump into ice-choked boat harbors, dress up for masquerade balls, hold outdoor chili cookoffs, scream on carnival rides, carve blocks of ice and mounds of packed snow, toss running chainsaws back and forth, hold parades and shoot off fireworks, among other things.

In doing so Alaskans and their guests pump up the economies of towns large and small, beat back their cabin-fever demons, and enjoy a rollicking good time.

While those in other states imagine Alaska winters as dreary months of cold and dark, those of us who live here know better. Yes, there are lengthy periods with no sunlight and, yes, temperatures do occasionally slip to 60 below or colder in some places for a few days each winter, but that doesn't mean a lack of fun. Quite the contrary. Over the years Alaskans have developed finely honed skills for coping with winter, and discovered it's possible to make a game or a contest out of almost any adversity.

Whether you want to join in or just watch and shake your head in disbelief, plan to get out this winter and sample some of the following offerings from all over the state. You'll contribute to the economic health of Alaska's communities while doing something positive for yourself. It's an unbeatable combination.

December 1996

Talkeetna: This Upper Susitna Valley community sets aside the entire month for Winterfest. It kicks off on Sunday, December 1 this year with the motorized parade of lights through downtown. Any street-legal vehicle decorated with lights is eligible to participate.

The following weekend things take a uniquely Alaskan turn with the Wilderness Woman Contest and Bachelor's Ball on December 7. Depending on the weather, anywhere from 50 to 150 women will venture into town for the festivities, according to Pam Rannals from Latitude 62, the restaurant that hosts the ball. Women who enter the contest, perhaps two dozen or so, compete in things like hauling water, catching fish, serving beer to a bachelor and a host of other zany events until one is crowned the Wilderness Woman of the Year. Afterward, members of Talkeetna's Bachelors' Society present themselves at auction during the ball. Watch the contest, bid on your favorite mountain man, or just kick back and enjoy the fun.

The month ends with Carhartt Weekend, December 27-29. This favorite item of Alaska apparel is highlighted with a fashion show on Friday night, a truck pull and Carhartts Ball on Saturday night, and an outdoor chili cookoff on Sunday where all participants are wearing - what else - Carhartts.

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