Whitefish Winter Carnival has Glacier theme

WHITEFISH, Mont. - The 51st Whitefish Winter Carnival swings into full gear this weekend with a "Going-to-the-Sun" theme to celebrate Glacier National Park's Centennial this year.

Carnival activities have been under way since early January, but it's the final weekend that brings the crowds to town. Here's a rundown:

n Art Walk - Continues through Feb. 13. Artists' works are displayed at more than 30 merchants throughout Whitefish. Maps guide strollers around town to check out the displays; call 862-5929.

n The Ball - Starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday with cocktails and silent auction at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake; dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $40 each and available at the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce. Rob Quist and the Great Northern Band will entertain.

n Whitefish International Hockey Tournament - Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning at Stumptown Ice Den; call 863-2477.

n Penguin Plunge - Begins at noon Saturday at City Beach on Whitefish Lake; it's a major fundraiser for Special Olympics; registration at 10 a.m.; to register or for information call Judy Gephart 863-8888; http://www.somt.org or (800) 242-6876

n Grand Parade - 3 p.m.?Saturday in downtown Whitefish.

n St. Charles Pie Social - 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Charles Catholic

n Yeti Snowskate Jam - All day Saturday at Kiddie Park at corner of Fifth Street and Central Avenue; 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. warm up/practice for all competitors; 11 a.m. deadline for registration and competitor check-in; 1 to 3 p.m. competition for under 10 and beginner categories; 3 to 4 p.m. park closed for grooming and testing during parade; 4 to 4:30 p.m. warm up for intermediate, advanced and expert competitors; 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. competition for intermediate, advanced and expert categories; 7:15 to 8 p.m. open Snowskate Jam for all competitors; call Willie Hobbs 862-3303.

n Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display - 7 p.m. Saturday at Whitefish Mountain Resort; ski instructors and patrol ski down Ed's Run

n Rotary Pancake Breakfast - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Whitefish Moose Lodge; a royal feast that includes eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, pancakes, juice and coffee; $7 per person.

Carnival buttons are required for some events and are for sale at Whitefish stores.

The furniture race at Great Northern Veterans Peace Park and winter motorsports event at Raceway Park have been canceled due to a lack of snow.

For further information, visit www.whitefishwintercarnival.com