The McCall Winter Carnival officially lit up the weekend Friday night as families gathered for one of the events most beloved traditions: the Childrens Torchlight Parade. WATCH | Live from the McCall Winter Carnival Volunteer fi refighters lead childrens torchlight parade to kick off McCall Winter CarnivalYoung carnival-goers bundled up and filled the streets with glow sticks, laughter, and excitement as they followed McCall volunteer firefighters through town. Before the parade, families met at McCall Community Church for hot cocoa and treats, warming up before heading toward the bonfire pits near the Main Stage at the beer garden. The parade, led by local firefighters carrying torches, marks the unofficial start of the Winter Carnival festivities and continues to draw crowds of locals and visitors alike.EVENT GUIDE | McCall Winter Carnival returns for a full 10-day celebrationBecause it represents the beginning of the winter carnival, said one young parade participant when asked why she enjoys the event.Adults say the parade is just as special for them, offering a chance to embrace the cold and celebrate the community. Its good to be outside and enjoying the weather and seeing all these kids get excited to be a little bit cold and miserable for a minute but have a good time while theyre doing it, said Jesse Van Patten, a McCall volunteer firefighter.RELATED | 2026 McCall Winter Carnival is all systems goVan Patten has volunteered with the McCall Fire Department for six years and says Winter Carnival events are something he looks forward to every year.Its kind of a unique thing we do, Van Patten said. The parades and everything are a little off-kilter, not too formal. You see the Mardi Gras Parade, the torchlight parade, and even the dog sled pull where everyone brings their pugs out. Its wild. Its awesome. The McCall Winter Carnival continues throughout the weekend with fireworks, the dog sled pull and the Mardi Gras Parade still to come. Idaho News 6 will stream those events on our website. ...read more read less