Now that the party's started, Tahoetopia offers an inside guide with some thoughts about to where to go and what to do throughout the ten-day Snowfest celebration.

Monday, March 5th

Broomball Tournament - Grab your broom and strap on your pads, because broomball is back again! Come slip and slide across the ice rink at the Resort at Squaw Creek while competing against your friends in a broomball match! Guaranteed fun for adults and children alike! Let us supply you with all the equuipment and hot cocoa you will need to enjoy a memorable game of broomball during this year's SnowFest! 8pm. Ages 12 and up. Resort at Squaw Creek in Palisades Tahoe.

Jake's Mardi Gras Party - A Snowfest mainstay for many years, Jake's on the Lake puts on a great party with all the fixin's. Food and drink specials, costumes, and live music are part of the evening's fare. 4:30 - 8:30pm. More info at www.jakestahoe.com.

Hacienda Margarita Races & Twister DJ Party - When is the last time you played Twister?? Remember that really fun game of bodies intertwined together, and tons of laughing going on? Well, tonight's your chance to get some new memories of it! Come do some head to head "margarita races", and then get your yoga moves on with Twister DJ Party. 5:00 - 8:00pm. More info at www.hacdellago.com

Tuesday, March 6th
Cornice Cantina Sundeck Ski Race - Come put on the "One piece ski suit" and strap on the "sample skiis" so you can join in the whirlwind of the Sundeck Ski Race! Contestants will go around the Sundeck course to see who can finish first in this crazy non ski hill race. Portion of the proceeds to benefit the High Fives non-profit! Fun starts at 4pm. Located in the Far East Center, at the east end of the Palisades Tahoe parking lot.

Pete 'n Peter's Bar Game Olympics - Come enjoy a fun evening of Pool, Shuffle-board, foosball & dice. The games continue on….and the competitors go head to head until the very end! Great Prizes for the top 3 Teams! More info call (530) 583-2400. 21 & over. Located across from the fire station in Tahoe City.

30th Annual Homewood Patrol Race & Taco Feed - Part competition, part party, the Annual Homewood Patrol Race & Taco Feed is one of the most highly anticipated traditions in Tahoe. Professional mountain patrollers from every Lake Tahoe area resort will compete in a dual slalom under the lights, with the hopes of taking home the trophy and bragging rights. Party-goers enjoy slopeside action and fun contests, as well as Homewood's North Lodge bar and special taco dinner.6:00 - 10:00pm.

Rosie's Local's Night Flashback - "Flash Back" to Locals Night in Tahoe City at Rosie's Cafe tonight with the "Beer Gardeners!" See the whole band back together one more time, just like the good 'ol days, as they rock it all night. This is a Tahoe local's favorite....make sure you come ready to get your dance on! 9:30 - Midnight.

Wednesday, March 7th
Truckee River Winery Ice Carving Extravaganza - Come to Truckee River Winery and watch talented locals transform blocks of ice into works of art. $20 Cover into event includes one glass of wine, food, and a souvenir wine glass! Barrel roll races, live music and other entertainment. Snow games will be available to guests. Guests are encouraged to sport their favorite, most colorful spandex, with prizes awarded for Best Dressed Male, Female, Tandem & Group. 1-5pm.

Tahoe Comedy North at Crystal Bay Casino - Join Tahoe Comedy North as we present legendary headlining comedian Tony D’Andrea tonight for SnowFest! Doors open at 7:30pm and show starts at 8:30pm.

T-Club's 'Truckee's Fastest Bartender' Competition - Entrants compete against one another for the title of "Truckee's Fastest Bartender". Contestants battle against the clock to make the most accurate drinks in the fastest time! 8pm. The Tourist Club, across from the train station in downtown Truckee.

Thursday, March 8th

Cornice Cantina's 'Bloody Masters' Competition - Every bartender thinks they make the "Ultimate Bloody Mary"....BUT tonight we'll find out who wins title of "Bloody Mary Master"! This competition will be coveted by all to try and come up with their special ingredients to claim the title for the North Tahoe Region. If you think you have what it takes, make sure to come sign up! 4 - 7pm. Palisades Tahoe.

Pete 'n Peter's Fastest Server Contest - Come see your favorite “Servers” of all kinds battle against each through the obstacle course, and onto the "posing platform" to win the title of “best server" on the North Shore of the Lake! Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd! Sign up at Pete 'n Peter's ahead of time. Located across from the fire station in Tahoe City. 8pm start.

Rosie's Bingo Night - Come join in the fun at a long lost event from years past! Bingo folks! Yep, get your glasses on and get ready for the lucky numbers to be drawn! Lot's of fun to be had by all tonight! Rosie's Cafe' in the center of Tahoe City across from Heritage Plaza. 9pm.

Friday, March 9th
Rotary Ski Challenge - This is the largest gathering of Rotarian's in the world....the 36th Annual Dick Linkey Rotary Ski Challenge looks to be better than ever. Check the Fact Sheet for specifics. As has been our aim in the past, this event benefits the many programs of the Rotary Club of Tahoe City and its Foundation. Join us for a day of friendly competition and Rotarian fellowship. 9am at Northstar.

Bridgetender Rib Fest - Enjoy the great Ribs at the BT, for this 3rd Annual Rib Fest! An outdoor extravaganza of BBQ’d Ribs takes place on the outside patio & bar of the BT. It’s like being in a snow cave, with lots of great ribs & drink to be had by all! 4 - 7pm. Tahoe City.

Joe King Poker Tournament - Kings Beach came to be in 1925 when Joe King allegedly acquired the land after an all-night poker game. Joe took his poker winnings to develop Kings Beach from 5 small cabins to a flourishing funky beach town. Relive the 1920's and try your luck at becoming the Honorary Mayor of Kings Beach at the 3rd Annual Joe King Poker Tournament (Texas Hold-em tournament).

Saturday, March 10th
Sugar Bowl's "Silver Belt Banzai" - Qualifiers - Ski-Cross action meets downhill speeds in the Silver Belt Banzai, pitting four Racers at a time down the silver belt gully in it's signature event, with the first three down advancing to the next round. Qualifying runs are on Saturday, with the finals on Sunday.  Sugar Bowl Resort, on Donner Summit.

Dress Up Your Dog Contest'- A local’s favorite is back this year, sponsored by the Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Mgmt Association. The dress up your dog contest will have several categories this year, along with a Grand prize doing to the “Best Dressed Transit Dog”! Come bring your pooch and support this fun event! North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach. 10am.

Kings Beach 'Winter Fun Snowfest Parade- Come out for the SnowFest! Closing Weekend Parade, presented by the North Tahoe Business Association. This parade has grown tons in the past few years and is definitely not something to be missed. Lots of color, beads, and fun to be had by all! 11:30am through Kings Beach on the main drag.

Caliente's Parade After Party - Come join all the parade "goers" as they filter into Caliente! to celebrate the finish of the Kings Beach Parade! This is also where you have your last chance to buy the SnowFest! Queen raffle tickets! The Queen Raffle will take place throughout the party, and end with the Grand Prize of 5 days/4 nights at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Hawaii plus $500 CASH!! Over 100 prizes to be had in addition to the Grand Prize! Come join in the fun, and leave with some great prizes! 12:30 - 4:00pm.

Sunday, March 11th - NOTE: Daylight Savings Time has begun! Turn your clocks ahead!
2nd Annual Ta-Hoe Nalu "Arctic Standup Paddleboard Race" - Registration day of event starts at the Blue Onion Café 8am Sunday March 11th. Race starts at 11am. The race consists of 2 one mile laps at the Kings Beach Recreation Park across the street from Safeway. Awards & after party at the Blue Onion Café with live music, raffle, prizes, food & drinks till 4pm!

Sugar Bowl's "Silver Belt Banzai" - TOUR FINALS - The final race of the four-stop tour, with tens-of-thousands in prizes at stake.  Sugar Bowl Resort, on Donner Summit.

22nd Annual "Snow Sculpture Contest" - Come watch with enthusiasm as this all time local favorite event unfolds before your eyes! 3 person teams have 3 hours to create the best snow sculpture. Live Music, Prizes, BBQ & Raffle all take place outside on the River Deck! Live music, BBQ & drink specials. River Ranch Lodge. Hwy 89 at Alpine Meadows Rd. Noon-5pm. www.riverranchlodge.com.

Tahoe Cross Country Gourmet Ski Tour - The Annual Gourmet Ski Tour takes place at the Tahoe XC Center! This great event entails x-country skiing or snowshoeing along the trails while sampling food from the finest North Shore Restaurants! Proceeds benefit the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Education Association (TTSEA). This fabulous event finishes off at the Day Lodge with live music and refreshments. Tahoe Cross Country. 1-3pm.

There are many more events on the calendar each day for all ages and interests. For more information about SnowFest and a complete list of each day's events, check out complete Snowfest Calendar, or visit the Snowfest website at www.tahoesnowfestival.com.