Hoodoo hosts Winter Carnival

The last Hoodoo Winter Carnival of this century is slated February 20 at Hoodoo Ski Area.

The event draws skiers, snowboarders and sightseers to the area to celebrate winter and all the recreational opportunities that winter offers.

The family-oriented event has games and contests all day long for kids of all ages. There is no cost to attend the carnival. The sleigh rides, games and contests are all free. The carnival kicks off at 10 a.m. with old-fashioned sleigh rides. The lifts will open at 8 a.m. A giant snow castle also opens at 10 a.m. for kids six and under to explore.

The games for kids 6-12 begin at 11:30 a.m., including a penny hunt on the snow castle, musical chairs, an obstacle race, hoop relay and a game called Quick Change. The kids' pie-eating contest is scheduled for 1:30 p.m..

A traditional carnival event is the Dummy Downhill where people make dummies on skis or snowboards and bring them to the area by 11 a.m. for judging. The dummies are judged for originality. Then at 2 p.m. they are hauled to the top of the Dummy Downhill course for their descent. The dummies are timed to determine the fastest dummy. The panel of judges will watch as the dummies are launched off a jump at the bottom of the course and will score the dummies on how spectacularly they crash.

The overall winner will win a '99/2000 season pass at Hoodoo.

Dummies must be registered in advance. Call Hoodoo for a registration form.

New to this year's lineup is a snowshoe obstacle race for adults at 3:30 p.m. The event is a short course that includes a Frisbee toss and other complicated maneuvers. All equipment will be provided for this event.

Evening activities include the music and antics of Biff Harley, a torchlight descent, a bonfire and fireworks. The traditional pork roast buffet dinner reserved seating begins at 5 p.m.; tickets for the buffet sell for $11.95 for adults and $7 for juniors. Make reservations by calling Hoodoo at (541) 822-3799. Open seating for the buffet dinner begins at 6:20 p.m.

The lifts will stay open until 11 p.m. Marathon tickets that are good from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on carnival day are

$29 for adults and $22 for juniors (age 6-12). Kids under six ski free.