darkbrowneggs has inspired me to tell a little about where I live.
Since 1854 Röros in Norway has had a market in the third week of February. Winter markets around here were commonn as it was often the only tie that farmers had time or possibility to travel on the frozen fells and rivers. They would travel from one market to another bartering goods before returning home with the provedents they needed for the coming year. They could have up to 400 kilo packed on their sleighs, as they skiied alongside the horses. It was an exciting time for the isolated farms along the way. Here they could stay the night, tell their news and trade some of their goods. In the 1980's 10 horses and sleighs set off from my neighbouring village to Röros for the first time in 50 years.
Oh, I must mention that Röros is in Norway and about 100 miles away.
This year there were 14 participants.
Here they are getting ready to set off.