Super Bowl inspires Carnival theme

Expect to see a few Minnesota Vikings divas, possibly a quarterback Queen or even a huddle of pigskin penguins roaming the streets of Whitefish this month.

The 57th annual Whitefish Winter Carnival kicks off with a Super Bowl theme.

This year, Carnival’s main events fall Feb. 5-7, the same weekend as the NFL Super Bowl.

“In the past we always tried to avoid having Carnival on the day before the Super Bowl,” explained Paul Johannsen, Carnival board member. “But this year we said ‘What the heck, let’s just do it.”

Johannsen said they have a few fun plans in store for the Grand Parade grand marshal — possibly a former NFL football star — but he couldn’t elaborate until arrangements are finalized. Carnival organizers also would like to get the Whitefish Bulldog state champion football team involved.

The month-long lead up to Carnival weekend begins Saturday with the always raucous Merry Maker at the Moose Lodge. This annual roast of Whitefish is when the new Prime Minister and Duchess of Lark are revealed.

The coronation of King Ullr and the Queen of Snows is Jan. 16, followed by the Disco Party. Frey and Freya are crowned Jan. 23 at the Whitefish High School basketball game.

The Gala is Feb. 5, an event that Johannsen says has been expanded.

“The Gala auction has really taken off for us,” Johannsen said about the fundraising efforts.

The Penguin Plunge and Grand Parade are Feb. 6.

As a nonprofit, Johannsen says it takes a lot of volunteer effort to make the Carnival special each year.

“We’ve got 15 on the board,” he said. “It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears from everyone, every year.”