Stowe hosted people from throughout the region at its very first Winter Carnival on this day in 1921. A thousand people showed up, and most of them gathered at what was then known as Simmons Hill, located near the public school.

The carnival focused on the Simmons Hill ski jump and the toboggan chute, with a crowd gathered at the bottom to watch. People also competed in a ski-dash and snowshoe events.

It was an idea to boost Stowe’s economy and to help beat the winter-blues. All of Stowe was decked out, and at the end of the day everyone gathered for a big dance celebration.

Image courtesy Images Of America: Stowe by Wendy Snow Parrish.