After four decades of throwing the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, our town knows a thing or two about having a good time in the snow. The 41st annual celebration takes place Feb. 11-22, and includes a great lineup of favorite events! Here are the highlights:

- Parade of Lights and the Cirque de Sandpoint, Friday, Feb. 13: A wild 'n' crazy Parade of Lights in downtown Sandpoint with its legions of zany floats and snow-shovel brigades is followed by the Cirque de Sandpoint at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. -- a must-see spectacle with an aerial silk performance (pictured, above), fire dancing, and a local dance troupe performance on Third Avenue by Jeff Jones Square.

- Sleigh Ride and Dinner Show, Saturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15: Western Pleasure Guest Ranch provides a memorable setting for a nostalgic sleigh ride, ranch dinner and music. Reservations: 208-263-9066.

- Pardi Gras and Laser Light Show at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15: Grab your best Mardi Gras costume and join the party at Taps, featuring a live performance with the Miah Kohal Band. And watch a spectacular show set to music as lasers project over Schweitzer Village onto Jimmie's Run during a Laser Light Show. The intense colors and shapes are mesmerizing -- sit by the fire and enjoy!

- Winter Bites, Thursday, Feb. 19: Join the ravenous masses at this popular event in the Sandpoint Events Center, where fine restaurants offer up tasty samples of their best specialties at bite-sized prices.

- Let It Glow Fireworks Show and Winter Carnival Finale, Saturday, Feb. 21: Skiers and boarders, get your neon "on" during this all-day celebration at Schweitzer by wearing your vintage neon ski apparel. In the evening, enjoy a Glow Parade and Fireworks, then get lit at the blacklight party in Taps with more glow and more show!

- Karl Denson's Tiny Universe: Concert at The Hive, Saturday, Feb. 21: The Hive, 207 First Ave., hosts a performance during their multi-city tour in support of their latest studio album, New Ammo.

- K9 Keg Pull, Neighborhood Coffee Tasting and Family Faire, Sunday, Feb. 22. Evans Brothers Coffee and The Granary host one of Sandpoint's most endearing events, the annual K9 Keg Pull, plus a coffee tasting and family fun.

    And much more ... check out all the events at SandpointWinterCarnival.com. Plus, join Sandpoint-area restaurants during the 7th Annual Dine Around Sandpoint. Enjoy a meal at one of your favorite participating restaurants from Feb. 16 through March 16, and have a chance to win daily prizes and be eligible for the grand prize of a meal out a month for two at 12 of the participating restaurants. Visit the Dine Around Sandpoint Facebook Page.

   Treat your love to an extra-special outing with several romantic happenings in Sandpoint. The Western Pleasure Guest Ranch hosts a Valentine Dinner from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. Make a reservation and treat your sweetie to a romantic evening of fabulous food and music. Enjoy a candle-lit five course dinner in the lodge prepared by chef Shelly, and take a step back in time in a one-horse open sleigh ($75 for a private ride). Stay overnight in either a cozy lodge room or a hand-hewn log cabin. Cost is $39.50; visit the ranch's website for more information or call 208-263-9066.
   Plus, enjoy a special Valentine's Dinner with Guitarist Kenneth Rokicki - featuring a special menu and romantic music - at Di Luna's Cafe, 207 Cedar St., Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14. 208-263-0846

    It's raunchy, it's racy ... and it's always a sellout! Tickets are now on sale (but going fast!) for the Angels Over Sandpoint's annual charitable fundraiser, The Follies, coming up March 6-7 in the Panida Theater. Purchase tickets at Eichardt's and Petal Talk in Sandpoint, or online at Panida.org and Sandpoint Online's General Store. Tickets are $25 each, and online tickets purchased in the General Store include a $2 online handling fee.

     New this year: VIP tickets are available for $50 (plus $2 online handling fee) in the Sandpoint Online General Store only. Just 50 VIP tickets will be sold each night, and includes reserved seating, early entry, plus a collectible glass. Please note: The Follies is racy and risque -- not for the easily offended!