Town Embraces Winter

Sun., Jan. 10, 1999

Rich Landers Outdoors Editor

Volunteers are planning a winter festival that will put the small town of Republic, Wash., back on the winter destination map.

“We’re planning plenty of fun even for people who don’t cross country ski or snowmobile,” said Keith Wakefield, the area’s Forest Service recreation coordinator. Wakefield also is a co-organizer for the Republic Winterfest, set for next Saturday and Sunday.

Winter festivals in this region come and go, sometimes with a whimper for wont of enough snow to get through the scheduled events.

But there’s enough planned at Republic to plan a visit regardless of the snow conditions.

Planned activities include cross country skiing clinics conducted by certified nordic skiing instructors on Saturday, a nordic ski race on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m., followed by kids races.

Snowshoe treks also are scheduled.

Snowmobiling rides are scheduled, including a poker ride, as well as snowshoe softball, snow sculptures, family activities and a chili cook-off.

Too Slim and the Tail Draggers is booked to perform Saturday night at the Republic High School.

To prove the Republic area has the complete winter recreation repertoire, the festival also will stage an ice fishing contest on Curlew Lake, ice skating under the lights at the town ice rink, plus a winter photo contest and display.

For information on events and motel packages, contact Republic Chamber of Commerce at 775-2704.

Winter festivals Sandpoint - Jan. 22-31. Info: (208) 263-0887 Deer Park - Jan 15-17. Info: (509) 276-5900 Wallace - Feb. 12-14. Info: (888) 326-4611

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