The Saint. Paul Winter Carnival is all about showing the world that Minnesota winters are fun! Back in 1885, an East Coast reporter turned up his nose and declared that St. Paul was inhabitable during winter-- comparing it to Siberia. Minnesotans have always had their share of local pride, so to prove him wrong, the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce created its first Winter Carnival to show the world that the hearty capital city of Minnesota is more than just habitable during winter-- it's a great place to be!
Since then, this long-standing annual tradition has both celebrated and poked fun of the cold climate. The carnival has been held every year since 1886 with the exception of the years during World War II. From the beginning, the carnival was seen as a center point of the community, and in the early years, local Native American tribes came out to join the fun. The festivities are all very kid-friendly.
The 2008 Saint Paul Winter carnival will be held from January 23- February 3. Events take place around town, but most are held in downtown St. Paul near Rice Park and Harriet Island. This year, the carnival will play host to the U.S. Figure Skating Championship from January 20-27.
Carnival activities include firetruck rides, a half-marathon (who says you can't run in the cold?), a giant slow slide, an ice maze, a sled dog rally, a "taste of the Twin Cities" event that features 33 restaurants, and lots of interactive activities for kids at historic Landmark Center. Here are some of the traditional Winter Carnival events that you won't want to miss:
- Ice Carving and Snow Sculpting Competitions. One of the highlights of the carnival is the annual ice and snow carving competitions, where the elements are transformed into spectacular creations and winners are awarded up to $3000 for their efforts.
- The Royal Family Coronation Ceremony. Every year, an 18-plus member royal family-- including King Boreas and Aurora, Queen of the Snows-- is crowned. Throughout the festival, King Boreas will have to contend with his nemesis, King Vulcanus Rex and his "Vulcan Krewe." In 2008, the Royal Coronation will take place in Wilkins Auditorium at the University of Minnesota campus on January 26th at 8:00 pm, followed by the annual Royal Ball.
- Medallion Hunt. The Saint Paul Pioneer Press hosts the annual treasure hunt for an official medallion that is buried in a park somewhere in the city. For some, the search for the medallion borders on obsession. Clues are placed in the newspaper every day until someone finds it and is awarded $10,000.
- Parades. The carnival kicks off with the King Boreas Grande Day parade and concludes with the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade. Prizes are awarded to the best band, float, performance group, and novelty unit.
- Hotdish Tent. "Hotdish"--which basically is another word for casserole--is a Minnesota favorite, and you can enjoy your fill of the daily hotdish at the Hotdish Tent on Harriet Island Selections change daily and range from the traditional tater tot casserole to the gourmet coconut curried chicken and rice.
For more information about the carnival, call 651-223-4700 or visit the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Website.
See also:
Minnesota Winter Fun & Festivals
Twin Cities Christmas Celebrations
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