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Welcome to the 2026 McCall Winter Carnival!
We’re thrilled to welcome you to this year’s celebration and to share our 2026 theme, “Where in the World is Sharlie?” — a playful tribute to Payette Lake’s legendary “monster.” For more than a century, locals and visitors alike have swapped stories of Sharlie sightings, and we decided it was finally time for her to take center stage. This year’s guide cover features local artist Greg Chrissakis’ whimsical take on our most beloved resident and her friend, Arianna.
Join Sharlie’s Fan Club by grabbing a limited-edition “I Believe in Sharlie” button, designed by McCall artist Rachel Morton. They’re available by donation at the McCall Area Chamber office (605 N. 3rd St.), with proceeds benefiting the Winter Carnival Mardi Gras Parade.
As you enjoy everything our lakeside town has to offer, we invite you to take the McCall Promise — a shared commitment to respect our community and embrace the small-town spirit that makes Winter Carnival so special. You can take the pledge at visitmccall.org/the-mccall-promise.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and dedicated planning committee for making this year’s celebration possible.
We hope you have a wonderful Carnival — and maybe even catch a glimpse of Sharlie!
The McCall Area Chamber of Commerce Team
Where in the World is Sharlie?
by Craig Vroom
Has Sharlie been spotted since 2019?
Let’s listen to folks claiming where she was seen. Wasn’t that her in lavender pants?
Sipping a drink on the Left Bank of France? No! She was boarding a ‘rapido’ train
With a Man of La Mancha on the south coast of Spain! Wrong. She was mushing a dog team to Nome. Nope. She was rafting the Tiber in Rome. Some said she climbed up a very tall tree
In a magical forest near Sidney, B.C.
And last year, a pitcher said she hitched up her britches
And flawlessly caught every one his pitches
At a game where the Reds were playing the Twins.
And she caught a pop fly using both of her fins. And there’s this from a traveler, a woman named Kati “She’s running for office on the outskirts of Haiti”. Two boys said she swam in the Great Salty Lake
But alas, after checking, turned out to be fake. Rome. Nome. Wherever you roam, These are not places that Sharlie calls home. It turns out she lives in the best place of all. In a very deep lake, in a town named McCall.
Can you help us find Sharlie?
Sharlie, our friendly lake monster, was first seen in Payette Lake over 100 years ago! Over the years, she has been sighted many times but no official evidence has ever been reported. Can you help us find her?
Draw your verson of Sharlie as she swims through the waves of Payette Lake!
Fun Fact: Sharlie was known as “Slimy Slim” between 1920 and 1954.
Fireworks
No Carnival experience is complete without dazzling fireworks lighting up the Payette Lake sky. With the snowy mountains in the background and Payette Lake reflecting every colorful explosion, the two fireworks displays are a magical highlight of Carnival. Two chances to catch our signature fireworks shows – Saturday, January 31st at 7pm and Saturday, February 7th at 7pm. The best viewing is from downtown McCall near Legacy Park!
Thank you to our wonderful fireworks sponsors
Main stage music
We can’t host Carnival without an epic soundtrack, and it comes to you live with music on the Main Stage. Each weekend, local bands bring energy to downtown. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, warming up with friends, or strolling between events, the Main Stage offers a lively soundtrack to your Carnival experience and a great way to soak in McCall’s festive atmosphere. Thank you McCall Event Co. for sponsoring the Main Stage!
Thursday, Jan 29
5:00 - 8:00pm Merchants of Groove
Friday, Jan 30
4:00 - 6:30 pm Nate & Friends Trio
7:00 - 10:00 pm Spencer Batt & Soul Serene
Main stage Schedule
Saturday, Jan 31
4:00 - 6:30 pm Andy Crosby
7:00 - 10:00 pm Dozey Dubs
Friday, Feb 6
4:00 - 6:30 pm Don Hurt Duo
7:00 - 10:00 pm High Pine Whiskey Yell
Saturday, Feb 7
4:00 - 6:30 pm Corn Mash (duo) 7:00 - 10:00 pm Matt Hopper & the Roman Candles
Torchlight parade
Our favorite way to kick off the 2026 McCall Winter Carnival celebrations on January 30th at 6:30pm! Led by the McCall Fire Department carrying torches, kids light up the town with colorful lights and glowsticks as they march into Carnival homebase in Depot Park to help light the bonfire. Begins at the McCall Community Church (901 1st Street). Waivers/Registration start at 5:30pm. Special thanks to North Fork Coffee for sponsoring this event!
Mardigras parade
The signature Mardi Gras Parade winds through downtown McCall with vibrant floats, colorful costumes, and lively music on Saturday, February 7th at Noon. This centerpiece celebration captures the spirit of Carnival, blending Idaho winter charm with Mardi Gras energy and providing an unforgettable experience for the whole family. A big thank you to Idaho Power and Tamarack Resort for helping make the parade possible!
grand bingo
The McCall Winter Carnival turns bingo into a must-attend event! Hosted at the Northfork Lodge, Grand Bingo brings out some fierce competition for the spectacular prize packages to be won for those who get to yell “Bingo!” Grab your daubers (or use ours!) and join us on Sunday, February 1st at 5pm. Your ticket includes dinner and 10 rounds of bingo PLUS a bonus card for the blackout round courtesy of our sponsor, TitleOne. Tickets required! Givebutter.com/grandbingo2026
snow sculptures
- 1pm
The snow sculptures are a signature element of the McCall Winter Carnival, and for good reason. Built by local artists, employees, and dedicated community members, these creations reflect the spirit of creativity, teamwork, and fun that makes Carnival so memorable. Sculptures are scheduled to be completed by Friday, January 30th for official judging and will remain on display throughout Carnival (weather permitting, of course). Prizes and accolades aside, the real magic is in watching our community come together to create something inspiring. So bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and stroll through town to enjoy the sculptures, cheer on the builders, and see if you can spot Sharlie along the way.
View this year’s snow sculpture map:
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vendors & Beer Garden
Part of the magic of Carnival is the atmosphere. Cotton candy, turkey legs, kettle corn – all of your favorites will be there. Stop by E. Lake Street and explore vendor row, then pop into Depot Park for a cold drink and live music from the main stage. Check the event pages for full vending hours!
Coned Pizza
EyeCandyGear
Finish Line
Fireside Pine
Idaho Livin
Idaho Ski Furniture
KB’s Burritos
Laketown Clothing
MakeSmithy
MDHS Track & Field
Mustard’s
Renewal by Anderson
Salty Heifer Cattle Company
Seven Devils Delights
Smokehouse Grill
Spud Guts
Thor’s Chocolate
Victor Crafts
Yeah Gurl Boutique
Beer Garden by Hotel McCall & Jug Mountain Ranch
Rotary Park
Mountain Transit Shuttle Stop
Vendor Court
Public Restrooms
Parking Lots
Main Stage, Beer Garden
Mardi Gras Parade Route
Family Fun Zone
S. SAMSON TRAIL
2026 Sculpture Map
320 N. 3rd St. McCall, ID
Horn Brewing & River Grill
201 S. Mission St. McCall, ID
7. Camille Beckman & Company at Toby’s Place
506 Pine St. McCall, ID
8. Columbia Bank
900 2nd St. McCall, ID
9. Franz Witte
530 Hwy 55 McCall, ID
616 N. 3rd St. McCall, ID 11. Keep Me In Stitches
136 E. Lake St. #2 McCall, ID 12. Lardos Grill & Saloon
600 W. Lake St. McCall, ID 13. Maverik
622 N. 3rd St. McCall, ID
14. McCall Area Chamber of Commerce
605 N. 3rd St. McCall, ID
15. McCall Community and Senior Center
701 1st St. McCall, ID
16. McCall Taekwondo Club & Gravity
18. Razzle Dazzle and Roots & Relics
503 Pine St. McCall, ID
19. Ridley’s Family Market
411 Deinhard Ln. McCall, ID
20. Salmon River Brewery
411 Railroad Ave. McCall, ID
21. Stacey Cakes
136 E. Lake St. McCall, ID
22. Tamarack Resort
311 Village Dr. Tamarack, ID
23. The Evergreen Hotel
210 N 3rd St. McCall, ID
24. Third Street Inn
415 N 3rd St. McCall, ID
Photo Ops
Brundage Mountain Resort
3890 Goose Lake Rd. McCall, ID
Flying S Title & Escrow of Idaho
616 N 3rd St. Ste 101, McCall, ID
Frenchie’s on Third
319 N, 3rd St. McCall, ID
The Connector Cache McCall Guns & Archery
122 E. Lake St. McCall, ID
17. Payette Lakes Middle School Art
1003 N. 3rd St. McCall, ID
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Monster Dog Pull
The most dog-gone fun event of Winter Carnival! Dogs race on a short track while pulling a weighted sled and compete in different weight classes for Top Dog! The top three from each weight class get a prize. This event is just for fun, so no experience is necessary. All equipment provided. Come to watch or enter your pooch and help support the amazing work of McPAWS Regional Animal Shelter. Held on Sunday, February 1st at 12:45pm.
BSU v U of I Hockey Games
The rivalry is back! We always love hockey, but when the Vandals and the Broncos face off the atmosphere is electric. Two chances to watch your favorite teams face off – Friday, January 30th and Saturday, January 31st. For tickets, visit https://manchestericecenter.com/
The McCall Senior Center is a cozy and welcoming Carnival stop, offering warm food, friendly faces, and a chance to support a great local cause. On January 31 and February 1 at 11 am, the Warming Hut opens, with a hearty Chili Feed from 12–4 pm that’s perfect for thawing out between events. On February 7 from 8–11 am, fuel up with a classic Pancake Breakfast. Visitors can also purchase official Carnival Beads, available at the Senior Center or downtown in front of Century 21. It’s a simple way to warm up, eat well, and be part of the community spirit that makes Winter Carnival special.
Idaho Sled Dog Challenge: Warm Lake Stage Race 1/29 & 1/30
The Warm Lake Stage Race is a 2-day 52-mile race, 26 miles each day. It is a chance to see teams up close and share the raw enthusiasm of the teams as they leave the chute at the North Shore Lodge at Warm Lake. Visit Idahosleddogchallenge.com for full details.
Ice Show
Step inside the rink for a high-energy, family-friendly ice skating show presented by the McCall Figure Skating Club. This year’s Circus-themed production blends skating, storytelling, and colorful performances into a lively evening of winter entertainment. Evening shows take place February 6 and February 7, with doors opening at 6:30 pm and the show beginning at 7:30 pm, plus a Saturday matinee on February 7 for those looking for an earlier performance.
Mon-Sat • 7:30am - 5:30pm Sunday • 7:30am - Noon
Coming Early February to McCall, Idaho
Photo courtesy McCall Area Chamber
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