WACO Events

The Willow Area Community Organization coordinates the following annual events. Join your neighbors and enjoy the opportunity to gather.

Willow State Winter Carnival

Willow has hosted this annual winter festival for more than 50 years. With a full schedule of events in the dead of winter, the carnival boasts one of the state’s biggest winter fireworks shows, Iditarod qualifying sled dog races, homesteading competitions, $1000 bingo cash pots, talent contests, foot, and ski races, entertainment, kids games, a cribbage tournament, and more.

The 2024 Carnival will be February 2nd – 4th.

The Willow State Winter Carnival website has the very latest agenda and updates. Find information about event registration, fees, and other important details in the downloadable PDF flyer.

Carnival Sponsor & Advertising

Support the Willow State Winter Carnival and draw customers to your business. Sponsorship recognition and benefits are customized to each sponsor’s goals depending on the level of participation. Download an overview here.

Carnival Vendors

Download the Vendor Application here.

Each year in May

Spring Clean Up

Help keep our community beautiful with trash pick up each spring.
July 4th

4th of July Parade and Picnic

Willow celebrates the Fourth of July with a community parade and picnic.   Parade floats meet at 11 am at Baptist Church parking lot.  The parade starts at noon and is followed by a community picnic at 1 pm at the Willow Community Center.

The first Saturday in December

Holiday Dinner

Enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. This is a free event for all Willow residents.  Bring the kids as Santa Claus will make a guest appearance in the Willow Community Center.