Ten wacky things to do at Lake Tahoe this weekend

The 28th Annual Snowfest Winter Carnival hits Lake Tahoe this weekend, and it's nothin' but fun. Between February 27 and March 8th, visitors can enjoy 50 fun-filled events. Here are some wacky things you can do as a family this weekend:

#1 Polar Bear Swim (Directions) - Saturday @ 2 p.m.

Can anything be wackier than intentionally jumping into 40 degree water? This weekend scads of folks are doin' it. Polar Bear Swim participants compete in a swimming race in Lake Tahoe, beyond the end of Gar Woods’s pier and back (approx. 225 yards). Hundreds gather to watch these [fool] hardy souls as they brave the cold water.

#2 Snowfest Parade (Directions) - Saturday @ 11:30 a.m

See Tahoe's wackiest and wildest strut down North Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. "Tahoe City Through Time" is this year's parade theme so come early and get the best spot to see Tahoe at its wackiest.

#3 Ice Cream Eating Contest (Directions) - Saturday @ 1 p.m.

See if you can beat the reigning champion, who travels many miles to defend his crown. There will be different age categories to this cold and messy, yet surprisingly yummy, competition. Held at the Tahoe City Fire Station.

#4 Wacky Winter Bowling (Directions) - Sunday @ 10 a.m.

Here's your chance to be, or at least watch, a human bowling ball. Participants will fly down the “bowling lane” on a snow saucer and take out as many giant bowling pins as possible. Helmets required for all sledders and participants 18 and under. Helmets available at event. Saucers provided. Age groups for participating are: 5-11, 12-17, 18 & Up. Held on the Tahoe City Golf course, behind the Bank of America.

#5 Sick & Twisted Freestyle Competition (Directions) - Sunday @ 11 a.m.

As if this inviting title isn't wacky enough, visitors will see who's got the best moves in this Slopestyle competition. This tour showcases local talent in over 12 events per season and awards more than $25,000 in cash and prizes.

#6 Snowball Softball Tournament (Directions) - Sunday @ 12 noon

Spectators can enjoy this six team single elimination tournament, from noon to 6 p.m.

#7 Dog Pull (Directions) - Sunday @ 11 a.m. (Register) and @ 12 noon (to watch)

Folks of all ages can watch, and participate with their pooches in this proud display of canine athleticism. A variety of sizes and shapes of dogs participate in this Big Pull. Fun prizes for dogs, along with dog tag “prizes” to proudly wear around town. Located on the Tahoe City Golf Course, behind the Bank of America.

#8 Fat Cat drawing contest (Directions) - Saturday @ 11 a.m.

Kids, ages 4 to 12 years old, are invited to draw their best "Fat Cat". Draw the best fat cat in your age category, and win great prizes!


#9 Decorate a bear (Directions) - Saturday between 12 noon and 2 p.m.

A free event for children! North Tahoe Arts and the BEAR League invites children of all ages to stop by the North Tahoe Arts Center after the parade and decorate a wooden bear! Children will receive a bear that they can color however they want and can bring them home with afterwards! Juice and cookies will be provided.