By CHRIS COLLINS

(Greenfield, MA)  — Winter Carnival is a “go” this year in Greenfield, but it will have a different feel than years past.

The Greenfield Recreation Department said Winter Carnival will celebrate its 99th year on the weekend of February 5th through the 7th with an “ICEolation Celebration” which will feature a number of largely virtual events because of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.

“Since its very beginnings, this event has brought the community together in celebration,” the Recreation Department said in a statement announcing the event.  “in a time of year that where many are feeling more isolated than ever, it is essential that beloved traditions such as Winter Carnival continue.”

A number of Winter Carnival events had to be either cancelled or modified at the pandemic’s outset in 2020.  The celebration will kick-off Friday night with live ice carvings throughout downtown. Spectators must wear masks and maintain social distance at all times when viewing these masterpieces.  All voting for the People’s Choice ice sculpture competition will be done virtually.

Saturday traditionally features the Sleigh Bell Run 4 mile road race, which, this year, will be held virtually where participants can safely complete the run anytime during Winter Carnival on either the traditional course or a 4 mile course of their choosing. The cost to participate is $25 and the first 25 participants will receive a Winter Carnival T-Shirt.

New for 2021 is a City-wide scavenger hunt to find the Golden Carrot and help restore the nose-less snowman’s sense of smell. Ten Golden Carrots will be hidden throughout the city for searchers to find throughout the weekend. Another new event that will be held virtually on Saturday is a Virtual Jigsaw Puzzle Contest where teams will compete to win the first-ever “Piece Prize”.

Events which will not be happening this year are the Friday night “Parade of Lights,” and the popular Sunday afternoon K-9 Keg Pull at Beacon Field. For a complete schedule of events and registration links, please visit the website: www.greenfieldrecreation.com/wintercarnival