Photo: File photo

The Winter Blues are returning to Historic O'Keefe Ranch as it gets into the carnival spirit with a variety of events.

The 63rd Vernon Winter Carnival starts Friday and goes for 10 days.

O'Keefe will be hosting a wealth of activities on the opening and closing weekends of carnival.

On Feb. 4, 5, 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the ranch royalty will be in the gazebo and available for photos. Jopo and Jopette will also be wandering the ranch and are available for photos.

There will be children’s crafts including making pinecone bird feeders and snowflakes.

Tours of the O'Keefe Mansion and wagon rides will also be available.

Participants can warm up near a bon fire, roast marshmallows and s’mores and visit the general store to immerse in historic retail of days gone by.

If there is snow, bring your own show shoes and follow the Blue Ribbon trail around the ranch or try your hand at snowmen building.

Warm up in the Kids Carnival Hall with old-fashioned country fair games such as bean bag toss and ring toss. “Smurfs” short films will also be playing.

And on Feb. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. the Poppa Dawg Blues Band will be performing at the ranch.

Tickets are $25. For more information, visit the carnival website.