February 18, 2015 | Tim Hauserman

The 34th annual Snowfest is set to take off on February 27th with the Snowfest Queen coronation, grand opening fireworks show and torchlight parade on the slopes of Squaw Valley. This year’s Grand Marshals for the event are the St. Paul Winter Carnival Krewe. Known by many as the Vulcans, or perhaps, as those guys dressed up in fancy outfits that spread cheer and black face paint at the parades. For 30 years this group of Minnesota folks have been paying their own way to Tahoe to be a part of Snowfest.

While Snowfest is certainly about its events, it’s really about a community and it’s visitors coming together to have some fun and create memories. Anybody who has been around Tahoe for a while can tell stories about what they did at various Snowfests. My story is that my youngest daughter was born on a Snowfest opening night, and 16 years later, was coronated Snowfest Queen on the opening night of Snowfest.

Here are a few of the highlights of this year’s Snowfest:

Saturday, February 28th is Tahoe City Day beginning with a Pancake Breakfast, followed by our small town Tahoe City Parade. Afterwards it’s time for the Ice Cream Eating contest and the Polar Bear Swim.
Sunday, March 1st. The day begins with an Arctic Paddle. Then you can check out the Dog Pull at Homewood, and the Kids Ski Race at Granlibakken. But save your energy and appetite for Sunnyside’s signature event: The Sunnyside Luau where you will find lots of great Hawaiian food and drink. Wear your best Aloha attire.
Monday, March 2nd is Z Day. Check out Za’s Godfather challenge in Truckee, or Za’s Clam Bake in Tahoe City.
Thursday March 5th you can hit the Hacenda Del Lago Snowfest Party.
Friday, March 6th try some ribs at The Bridgetender’s Rib Fest
Saturday, March 7th the action moves to Kings Beach with the Kings Beach parade, TEA winter Expo, and Dress Up your Dog Contest. Other highlights include Lunafest Film, Food and Wine
Sunday, March 8th. The festivities come to a close with the River Ranch Snow Sculpture Contest and Fine N’ Funky Fashion Show.

For more information on all the events go to tahoesnowfestival.com. Snowfest is organized by a small non-profit organization that is in need of financial assistance. You can help by giving a donation, or by purchasing Snowfest raffle tickets from one of the Snowfest Queen candidates. Half of the proceeds from tickets they sell go to Snowfest, and the other half goes to support worthy local causes.