By Iola Winter Carnival
The 63rd Iola Winter Carnival was nothing short of spectacular! With a variety of exciting events and an incredible turnout, the community came together to celebrate winter in the best way possible. From stunning ice sculptures to delicious food, and exciting activities for all ages, this year’s carnival was a huge success.
The Lutefisk Supper ran smoothly thanks to the tremendous help of our dedicated volunteers. We served just under 200 plates (not including volunteers), and the food was absolutely delicious. One of the most entertaining moments was when the volunteers carried on the tradition of singing Oh Lutefisk, bringing smiles and laughter to all. Due to its overwhelming success, we’re thrilled to announce that the Lutefisk Supper will be returning next year, with plans to add another seating time to accommodate even more guests!
The Craft Fair saw a fantastic turnout with over 30 vendors showcasing their unique products. The venue remained busy throughout the day, with attendees browsing and purchasing handmade goods, local treats, and one-of-a-kind crafts.
One of the most well-received additions this year was the trolley service, making it easier for attendees to travel around town and experience all the exciting events. People loved the convenience and charm of the trolley, and we hope to bring it back next year!
A special congratulations to McKenzie Bonikowski, this year’s Snow Queen! Her grace and enthusiasm truly embodied the spirit of the Iola Winter Carnival.
A delightful new addition to the event was face painting by Ali in the warming tent. Kids had a blast choosing fun designs and showing off their painted faces, making this a wonderful addition to the carnival experience.
Ice Carving Competition
This year’s Ice Carving Contest featured eight talented teams, each creating breathtaking frozen masterpieces. The winners were: First – A whimsical scene of ski-jumping penguins by Adam and Sara Griena; Second – A beautifully sculpted chicken by Josh and Kristy Stacy; and, Third – An intricate ice castle with a drawbridge by Bryce Mead. Every team displayed remarkable creativity and skill, making the contest a true highlight of the weekend.
Record-Breaking Kids Ice Fisheree
This year’s Kids Ice Fisheree was the largest in attendance to date, with over 150 young anglers registered! The competition was fierce, and here are the 2025 winning catches: 13” Crappie by Vanessa Demski; 19.25” Bass by Jace Wiehschke; 8.75” Bluegill by Sawyer Mrozek / Spencer Buelow; 9.5” Perch by Michel Ott; and 26.75” Northern Pike by Dawson Zajackoski. A huge congratulations to all our young fishers!
Chili Cook-Off Competition
The Chili Cook-Off Competition was another fantastic event with a great turnout. We had 139 ballots submitted, and this year’s winner was Crystal Cafe with their delicious Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili. Congratulations to Crystal Cafe of Iola and all participants for serving up some amazing flavors!
A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors and Donors
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors—without them, this event would not be possible. Your support is invaluable and helps keep the Iola Winter Carnival a cherished tradition!
A special thank you to everyone who donated and participated in the bucket raffles. The funds raised from the entire event will be donated to the Iola Ski Hill Youth Winter Sports Clubs and the American Legion for their Cabin 8 Project, which is located in Tomahawk, as a safe haven for both active and retired military service members and their families. Your support helps make this event possible and keeps the tradition alive year after year.
We can’t wait to see all of your smiling faces again next year for another unforgettable Iola Winter Carnival!