Opening ceremonies for the 2008 Masters World Cup will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29, at Manchester Ice & Event Centre.

The ceremonies will begin with a parade of athletes that will start behind McCall City Hall.

The athletes will follow horses down Second Street to the front of the ice rink.

The ceremony will move inside the center where event organizing committee President Ed Allen will give a welcoming speech.

Then World Masters Cross Country Ski Association President Thomas Heckmann of Germany will give a speech to welcome the athletes to the event.

A performance by the Nez Perce Tribe dancers will follow the speeches. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Ponderosa park Nordic trails to be closed to public during World Cup
The Ponderosa State Park Nordic and snowshoe trails will be closed to public use beginning next Thursday. Feb. 28, for the 2008 Masters World Cup.

The trails will be open only to competitors and spectators in designated locations. No dogs will be allowed on any trails in the park during the event.

The event will draw 1,222 senior racers over age 30 from around the world.