STANLEY, Idaho — The 17th Stanley Winterfest kicks off this Friday with live music and then a whole day of activities on Saturday, including the infamous outhouse races.

Locals originally started this festival to bring the community together, but it has grown into a huge event for Stanley economically. The event also raises funds for local non-profits like the volunteer fire department, the school, and other services.

Check out the video to see more of what Winterfest is all about

Stanley Winterfest will bring a unique vibe to the mountains this weekend

“It is a really unique [event], and it is one of a kind,” said Russell Clark, who helps organize Winterfest. He also operates the Mountain Village. “This event is the largest event for the winter season; the businesses really rely on this weekend for revenue.”

The marquee event is the outhouse races, and they are a sight to see. Every year, people custom make an outhouse on skis, and they hold races in downtown Stanley that are chock full of carnage and entertainment.

“When we first started the outhouse races, they were pretty simple, including just a standard outhouse that was attached to some skis,” said Clark. “Now people really up the ante, and they have really gotten creative in the past four years.”

Other activities on Saturday include the brand new human ice tug and favorites like the adult big wheel race, winter rafting on snow, and a pizza eating contest.

People should also know the motto of the festival is “let’s get weird,” and one of the events includes a drag queen race.

“Our motto is ‘let’s get weird,’ and some people might take offense to that, but overall it is come and explore your inner self and have a little bit of fun,” said Clark. “My favorite part is watching everyone smile, and there is a lot of laughter.”

Lodging can be tricky for this event as all the rooms get booked months in advance, but you might have some luck with cancellations. People can also stay in Sun Valley or make a day trip out of it.

Click here for the event schedule.

This week, crews are working to bring snow to downtown as Stanley hasn’t received as much snow as they normally have. However, there was a lot of snow near Galena Summit and also at Banner Creek Summit on Highway 21.

GARDEN CITY, Idaho — Crossing Chinden Boulevard at 43rd Street in Garden City can feel difficult for pedestrians, especially families and children who live and attend school nearby. Ada County Highway District officials say a new crossing signal is expected to improve safety at the busy intersection later this year.

The intersection sits along a heavily traveled stretch of Chinden Boulevard near homes, schools and the Boys and Girls Club, with children and cyclists frequently crossing between neighborhoods.

ACHD says the location has been identified as a priority due to the number of people who rely on the corridor each day.

WATCH: A risky Chinden crossing is finally getting a safety upgrade

Safety upgrade planned for busy Chinden crossing in Garden City

“We’ve done quite a bit of outreach to the community and got their feedback. And people are really excited about seeing this be constructed,” said Tawnya Converse, a senior project manager with ACHD.

When Idaho News 6 first reported on the proposed improvements in 2024, Paul Johnson – a teacher at Future Public School and a father who bikes with his children around Garden City – said the need for a safer crossing was clear.

RELATED | Have concerns about the proposed Chinden crossing? So does Garden City Police

“There are so many kids who come to this section of Garden City. There are two schools here, there’s the Boys and Girls Club and there are so many kids that live adjacent to Chinden,” Johnson said.

ACHD officials say concerns raised by families and community members helped push the project forward.

Construction is expected to begin later this spring on a pedestrian hybrid beacon, or PHB – a type of signal designed to stop traffic and provide a protected crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We’re going to be putting in a pedestrian hybrid beacon, which is a PHB, which will allow safe travel for our pedestrians and bicyclists across this busy intersection,” Converse said.

ACHD says construction is expected to start at the end of March and wrap up around July. The roadway will remain open during construction, though drivers should expect lane restrictions and possible delays.