On March 5 residents of New Sweden, Stockholm and Westmanland participated in the annual Sno Carnival. This year marked the 75th anniversary of the Swedish Colony event.
Young skiers were all lined up and more than eager to get started during the 75th annual Sno Carnival held at the Stockholm Community Center on March 5.
Events in the day-long event included sledding, snowshoe, Nordic and downhill skiing races for all ages. The eldest participant in the event was Carl Anderson, 67, with the youngest being Landin Spooner at age 2.
According to David Spooner, Sno Carnival committee member, “ We are so lucky to have such a nice place to hold this event. The town of Stockholm has done a wonderful job in utilizing the old school , not allowing it to go into disrepair.”
Running in snowshoes certainly didn’t pose much of a problem to these young Sno Carnival participants as they raced their way to the finish line.
Of course it wasn’t only the outdoor races that drew the sizeable crowd to the annual Sno Carnival because what’s a celebration without food? As a fundraiser, members of the New Sweden School’s Booster Club took on the responsibility of feeding carnival participants and other guests, tempting them with chicken stew, chili, hotdogs and a variety of delicious sweets.
Glen Peterson, Cortney Cote and Kendra Furber (in green jacket) geared up for some friendly competition as they raced their way on snowshoes toward the winner’s circle during the 75th annual Sno Carnival sponsored by the Swedish Colony communities of Stockholm, New Sweden and Westmanland.
Contestants in the racing events were awarded ribbons, medals and trophies for their efforts. Two events, the Adella Johnson and the Ralph Ostlund races were postponed due to weather conditions and scheduling conflicts. Spooner stated that the races would take place at a later date with the name-sakes of each race on hand, serving as honorary marshals for the events.
From left, Eric Margeson, Bub Anderson and David Spooner, proved that it isn’t just kids who like to play in the snow, as they participate in a snowshoe race during the 75th annual Sno Carnival, held on March 5, in Stockholm.
“Organizing an event like this takes some planning and effort but when we see the smiles on the faces of the kids and adults, it is all worth it,” said Spooner. “It is so wonderful to have the support and contributions from each of the three towns — it only makes sense and it is so much fun.”
