Date: February 18, 2016
Contact: Dan Irelan, 907-683-6387
Denali National Park and Preserve and the Denali Borough invite everyone to Winterfest 2016, an annual celebration of Alaska’s longest season, Wednesday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, Feb. 28.
An array of activities, for all ages and interests, are scheduled in and around the park. Check out the full schedule of events.
Week night events include Art Night at the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) and a Winterfest Weekend Kickoff Party at the McKinley Park Community Center.
The National Park Service will host a variety of free activities throughout the day on Saturday. The day’s offerings include an ice carving demonstration, a ranger-led snowshoe walk, sled dog rides, snow sculpting, children’s activities and classroom presentations.
In addition, hands-on exhibits about permafrost and geology will be provided by the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Complimentary hot drinks and light lunch items will be provided by Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture.
Events continue Saturday evening in Healy with a community dinner and talent show at the Tri-Valley Community Center. Healy Hockey will host league games all day at the Ice Rink, followed by fireworks at 9:30 pm.
On Sunday the Tri-Valley Community Library in Healy will host a Snow Buddies Fun Fest, with a movie and mushing-themed activities for families.
Weather permitting; the Denali Park Road will be open to the public as far as the Mountain Vista Rest Area (Mile 12). The rest area has vault toilets and picnic shelters; it is an ideal location for viewing Denali and exploring the park via snowshoes, skis or sled dogs.
Meals, lodging and other services are available year-round in the communities of Healy and Cantwell.
Free camping is available in the Bear Loop of the park’s Riley Creek Campground. A vault toilet is provided and water is available at the MSLC.
Winterfest is made possible with the assistance from Alaska Geographic, Denali Borough, Denali Borough School District, Denali Education Center, Denali Arts and Humanities Alliance, Kids in Motion, Fairbanks Concert Association, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture, 229 Parks Restaurant, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Holland America-Princess, and the Tri-Valley Community Library.
The Murie Science and Learning Center is open daily 9 am – 4:30 pm as the winter visitor center, providing visitor information and backcountry permits.
