Lincolnwood celebrates winter with Feb. 26 carnival

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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:12AM

Lincolnwood’s second Annual Winter Carnival will go on with or without snow, but some of the winter-related events that more than 300 carnival-goers enjoyed last year will be canceled if the weather doesn’t comply.

A fun-filled day of wintry activities — including ice skating, dog sled shows, horse-drawn carriage rides and carnival games — is planned for the event, which will take place at Proesel Park, 6915 Kostner Ave., Feb. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m.

A collaboration of the efforts of several different departments within the Village, officials decided to start the tradition last year to get the community together during the cold winter months.

“We like to schedule it in the middle of winter to give the community something to look forward to during this cold and dreary time of year,” said Genelle Iocca, community outreach coordinator for the Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department.

Regardless of the temperature at this year’s event, dog sled demonstrations by Green Valley Dog Drivers will go on, Iocca said. But instead of pulling sleds, the dogs will pull carts.

“Everyone is invited to come out for an opportunity to watch the dogs run,” Iocca said. “Last year these adorable dogs literally stole the show, so this is a great reason to attend the winter carnival.”

Besides seeing a real-life dog sled team in action, guests will be able to get up close to the dogs and talk with the mushers.

Despite the dogs’ ability to switch up their act in the event of having no snow, cross country and snowshoe skiing will be cancelled without the white stuff. The air also has to be cold enough for the water set up in the volleyball court to freeze, which is the site of the makeshift ice rink. If that doesn’t happen the ice skating events will also be shut down, Iocca said.

In preparation for a possible snow-free February, carnival planners tweaked some of the entertainment a bit to make sure there would still be plenty of fun for the children.

An obstacle course, a bounce house and several new carnival games were added to the lineup, and all can be moved indoors to the community center in the case of bad weather, Iocca said.

Regardless of the weather, the Lincolnwood Fire Department will be on hand serving up brats, hotdogs and chili, and children and their families can get a close-up of their shiny red fire truck that will be parked nearby for public viewing.

“We’re also adding S’mores to the menu this year so that people at the event can roast their own marshmallows at either the fireplace in the shelter, the fire pit on the hill, or the fireplace outside,” Iocca said.

Music will be provided by K-Hits Radio 104.3 and hot chocolate will be provided for free, courtesy of NorthShore University Health System.

The Winter Carnival is a village-wide event put on by the Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works Department, the Fire Department and community volunteers. Planning for the event starts in November.

All activities are free except for the “Winter Waddle Kids Dash.” The 100 meter dash for children 10 and under is $12 per entrant, and preregistration is required. “Winter Waddle” participants will receive a T-shirt, goody bag and a finisher medal. Parents can register online at www.lincolnwoodil.org.

For more information on the Winter Carnival, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (847) 677-9740.