The 2014 Saint Paul Winter Carnival has Arrived!

The 128^th annual Saint Paul Winter Carnival has begun! Even though the Weather Channel reported that Minneapolis/St. Paul is the coldest major American metro, our carnival attracts approximately 350,000 visitors every year! Embrace the cold and enjoy the carnival like a true Minnesotan. And remember, there are always plenty of drinks to help keep you warm - Hello Ice Bar!  We’ve got all the information you need to enjoy the first weekend of the carnival.

A Brief History

The year was 1886 and St. Paul, MN was America’s fastest growing city and America’s third largest rail center. The St. Paul business leaders began discussing the idea of throwing a celebration in honor of their beloved city and its success. In the midst of the celebration proposals, a New York newspaper ran an article that described St. Paul as “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation in the winter.” Determined to disprove this claim, the business leaders produced the the Saint Paul Winter Carnival – The Coolest Celebration on Earth.

Buttons

The 2014 Winter Carnival Buttons, designed by local artist Chad Peterson, feature members of the Winter Carnival Royal family. Not only will these buttons be great collector’s pieces, but they will also give you discounts and enable you to register for prizes online: http://www.winter-carnival.com/events/buttons/. You can buy the buttons at Super America gas stations, Cub Food stores, and select locations throughout St. Paul.

Image Source: http://www.winter-carnival.com/events/buttons/

Rice Park

St. Paul’s lovely Rice Park will be the center of action for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Be sure to stop by the Park to experience a number of events and activities including ice carving competitions, music, and an Ice Bar. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/KLwMRs

Also, check out the entertainment line-up here: http://bit.ly/1fctwKK

2014 Event Schedule (excluding most events that require prior registration)

Every Day Events

Winter Wonderland in Rice Park

What: Entertainment, activities, and an ice bar!

Where: Rice Park

More Information: http://www.winter-carnival.com/events/multi-day_events/ 

Image Source: https://www.saintpaulhotel.com/news__events/

Wells Fargo Winter Skate

            What: Free open skate for everyone with a $2 skate rental

            Where: Landmark Plaza, 5^th Street and Washington Street

More Information: http://www.wellsfargowinterskate.com

Geo Caching

Pick up coordinates at the Winter Carnival Merchandise Mart in Rice Park or head to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival office at 429 Landmark Center St. Paul, MN. 

Ice Castle Display

            In the Cortile of the Landmark Center

Image Source: http://www.frattalone.com/IcePalace.htm

First Weekend Saturday & Sunday Events

 Autonomous Snow Plow Competition

What: Cheer on your favorite team as they design, build, and operate a fully autonomous snowplow to remove snow from a designated path!

            Where: Rice Park, 109 4^th St. West St. Paul, MN

            When: Start time of 9:00 a.m.

            More Information: http://autosnowplow.com/welcome.html

Winter Carnival Orchid Show (ticketed event)

What: Now in its 39^th year, this show is THE winter event for orchid lovers! View gorgeous orchids and take some home with you.

            Where: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory 1225 Eastbrook Dr. St. Paul, MN

When: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

More Information: http://bit.ly/1jL78JE

Saintly City Cat Show (ticketed event)

What: This is the 38^th Annual Championship Cat Show where over 200 cats compete for the title of “Best Cat”

Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Blvd. St Paul, MN

When: Saturday = 10:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m.           Sunday = 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

More Information:http://www.saintlycitycatclub.org/downloads/flyer.pdf

Royal Coronation

What: Watch the crowning of King Boreas and Aurora, Queen of the Snows, while also enjoying a social hour, dinner banquet, and the Royal Ball and reception.

Where: RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN

When: 5:30 p.m. – midnight.      Coronation 8:00 p.m.

Image Source: http://www.winter-carnival.com/events/photo_gallery/royal_coronation/

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Securian Winter Run

What: A brisk run through St. Paul featuring options of running a Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K

Where: Begins and ends in downtown St. Paul on the corner of 6^th and Jackson streets.

When: Start times vary

More Information: http://www.securian.com/Securian/Securian+Winter+Run

Image Source: http://www.winter-carnival.com

Energy in the Park presented by Xcel Energy

What: Have fun while learning about energy efficiency with interactive activities

            Where: Rice Park, 109 4^th St. West. St. Paul, MN

            When: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive

            Where: Rice Park, 109 4^th St. W St. Paul, MN

When:  10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saint Paul Hotel Hot Chocolate

            Where: Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market Street St/ Paul, MN

            When: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

King Boreas Grande Day Parade

            Where:  Smith Avenue to Rice Park, along West 7^th St

When: 2:000 p.m. start

More Information: http://www.winter-carnival.com/events/parades/

Image Source: http://www.winter-carnival.com

Winter Carnival Kid’s Day

What: The Landmark Center Cortile has planned a warm day of activities for the kids! Enjoy kid-friendly activities, a live dj, and appearances from Nordy of the Minnesota Wild and Goldy from the U of M

Where: Landmark Center, 75 5^th St. West St. Paul, MN

When: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Winter Carnival East Side Sledding Event

What: A community sledding event with free food and drinks and chances to win sleds

            Where: 1079 Beach St. St. Paul, MN

When: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Royal Family Day Roller Skating

What: Skate with the whole family! Admission is $6 or $5 with a Winter Carnival Button. Additional cost for skate rental.

            Where: Saints North Roller Rink 1818 Gervais Court, Maplewood

            When: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Image Source: http://www.familyfuntwincities.com/wish-list-for-the-weekend-of-january-24-26-2014/

Rock the Palace (ticketed event)

What: A giant party with live bands to celebrate King Boreas and his Royal Family’s triumphant return to St. Paul. All ages are welcome, and everyone is encouraged to wear blue!

Where: Crowne Plaza Downtown St. Paul

When: 7:00 p.m. – Midnight

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/155981707817648/

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Annual Vulcan vs. Guard Second Harvest Food Shelf Donation Hockey Classic

What: Please bring a donation for the Second Harvest Food Shelf to watch this annual hockey game!

            Where: Vadnais Heights Sports Center, 1490 County Rd. E

            When: 4:45 p.m.