Winter fun

Half-naked middle-aged men will jump into Lake Tahoe’s 41-degree waters this Saturday. If this sounds like your idea of fun, you can join the annual Polar Bear Swim at 2:30 p.m. March 2—just one of the many events included in Snowfest, North Lake Tahoe’s annual winter carnival held March 1-10. Snowfest’s opening ceremonies—held at 7 p.m. March 1 at Squaw Valley—will include a torchlight parade of more than 100 skiers, fireworks, a laser show and music. “It will have a very patriotic theme,” said coordinator Lori Paris. “To see a parade of skiers is fun and quite exciting. It is worth it to come out with families, and the kids love it.” Snowfest has something for everyone, including a cross-country race from Tahoe City to Truckee, a Hawaiian luau, cribbage games, contests and a fashion show. Visit www.snowfest.com or call (530) 581-1283.