A lack of cooperation on the part of Jack Frost has dented events only slightly. The ice fishing contest has been knocked off the roster, according to Carnival chairman Milo Stewart Jr., but everything else can be modified to work around the lack of ice and snow.

"We'll still have the bonfire, horseshoes and volleyball at Three Mile Point," said Stewart, "and we're going to change the golf so the contest is for the longest drive completed off the shore."

The good news is that snow is expected for the second weekend of the Carnival, so the snow sculpture contest and Snowman Show can go on.

The Carnival will kick off on Friday, Feb. 1 with an Italian buffet at the Cooperstown Methodist Church. Adults eat for $7.50, children under 12 for $4.50.

The night will conclude with Carnival Opener at the Bistro from 9 p.m. to close. Flashback to the 70's with DJ "D".

"Oh, he can cook!" reads the carnival schedule, so the DJ is more than likely Bistro co-owner/chef Dave Neil. DJ "D" will be "sauteing singles and fryin' up vinyl from the 70's...dress to impress."

Saturday, Feb. 2 will be a day jam-packed with events for kids, adults and families, starting at 11 a.m. with a Home Town Pride Parade.

"A lot of people show up for the parade," said Stewart, who can be reached at 547-8209 for those looking to register a float.

New events this year include a disco for kids on Saturday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. at the Vet's Club, K-9 Winter Olympics at which dogs and their handlers from the K-9 training facility in Middlefield and from Kilmoreen Kennels of Hartwick will join dogs and spectators of all ages as they perform a series of obstacles, retrieval and pet trick competitions.

A Special Edition Beer Tasting from noon to5 p.m. at Brewery Ommegang will yield samples of The Three Philosophers, dreamed up by the winner of this year's realbeer.com's national Create A Great Beer contest. Try the beer again on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Call 547-8184 for more information.

Saturday night will end with a display of fireworks over the lake and a dance at The Pepper Mill featuring "The Folding Sky."

"This band is amazing," said Stewart.

Sunday, February 3 will start off with a bang with Skeet Shoot and Breakfast at the Sportsman's Association Clubhouse from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Chocolate Lover's Festival hits a sweet spot from noon to 2 p.m. at The Tunnicliff Inn on Pioneer St. Taste the delicious work of fellow chocolate lovers or enter a confection of your own.

Call Jenn at 547-1929 for more information.

There will be sports and contests at various locations throughout the day, a pitch tournament, billiards, and the game to end all games, the Super Bowl.

Shake down on Sunday night at the Hoffman Lane Bistro Super Bowl party or take it easy, if you're one of two lucky winners to acquire a "coach potato" seat.

"The winners of that raffle get to watch the game from recliners and be served during the game," Stewart said.

And don't forget the donation jugs at various locations on Main Street, said Stewart, to benefit the Polar Bear Jump the next weekend.

Stewart, who has never braved the icy waters before, will be jumping for charity with the Polar Bear Club and a number of other participants. Luckily for everybody else, it's easier to drop money in a jar than to hurl your body into freezing water.

A complete schedule of events is available online at www.cooperstowncarnival.com. Winter Carnival Headquarters will be located at the Information Kiosk in Pioneer Park.