The Central Adirondack Association will hold Old Forge’s 2012 Winter Carnival celebration Feb. 3, 4 and 5.

Winter carnival weekend in Old Forge originated in 1930 and has been highlighting the area’s variety of outdoor winter sports since.

And this year expect the same good time as always with a theme of “2012 — The Super Bowl of Winter Carnivals.” The carnival committee chose the theme because Super Bowl Sunday falls on Feb 5.

The weekend activities will kick off Friday, Feb. 3, with $12 lift tickets at McCauley Mountain. At 6:45 p.m., the annual winter carnival parade will commence down Main Street featuring floats from the Polar Bear Ski Club, past Winter Carnival royalty, and much more.  

Everyone is encouraged to get creative, make a float and join in on the fun. After the parade, there will be an ice skating party at the Town of Webb rink on Joy Tract Road.  Grab your skates and enjoy ice skating under the lights with a bonfire, music, hot cocoa and treats.

Saturday, Feb. 4, the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks will sponsor the Twelfth Annual Winter Sports Challenge at McCauley Mountain. The event will include snowshoe and cross-country ski races plus a New York State-USA sanctioned snowshoe race.

All proceeds from the races will be contributed to the Kommunity Youth and Activity Center (KYAC) in Old Forge. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the event running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kiwanis is encouraging individuals, organizations and companies to create teams and participate in the one or five mile tour of the snowshoe/ cross-country ski trails.

They are also currently seeking corporate sponsorships; $200 gold, $150 silver and $100 bronze levels. Everyone who registers will be eligible for door prize drawings.

Plaques will be given out to top fundraising teams and individuals. This year, the top fundraiser 18-years-old or under will receive an award of $100.  

Registration /pledge forms are available at the Town of Webb Information Center or by calling Bill Ransom at (315) 369-2858.

Saturday evening there will be night skiing free of charge on the Playmate trail beginning at 5 p.m. The Last Run Cafe will be hosting dinner and dancing, with live music from the Johnny Rage Band featuring Phil Leone.

The Winter Carnival Committee is excited to announce the 2012 Royalty as David and Debbie Langworthy, of Thendara. The coronation of the King and Queen will take place at approximately 7 p.m. in front of the Ice Castle.

Immediately following the coronation the Polar Bear Ski Club will take to the slopes to perform their dare-devil jumping act and then the Town of Webb Alpine Ski Club will perform the torch light ski show.

The finale will be a fireworks display over the mountain followed by more live music in the chalet.

Sunday, Feb. 5, the Polar Bear Ski Club will hold the 57th Annual Snowflake Derby at 11 a.m.  The fundraising event is a great opportunity for the novice to the expert skier to participate in alpine races.

The derby consists of three different races: a giant slalom, a dual slalom and a three-person rope team race. Awards will be given to the top three males and females in each age category.

These fun races are open to the public, so strap on your skis and join in or be a spectator and cheer your friends and neighbors on. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in the chalet.

At 3 p.m., the Town of Webb Junior Class will hold the ever-popular Cardboard Sled Races. Put your creativity to the test and try to wow the judges.

Prizes are given out in several different categories. Sleds must be made out of cardboard only, no wood or metal, and there is a $5 entry fee.

For more information on the weekend activities please call (315) 369-6983 or check out www.visitmyadirondacks.com.

The carnival is sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association and the Town of Webb.