Saint Paul Winter Carnival facts for kids
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a super fun festival that happens every year in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It's a big winter party that celebrates the cold weather and brings people together!
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History of the Winter Carnival
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival started way back in 1886. Before that, in 1885, a reporter from New York said that Saint Paul was like "another Siberia" and not a good place to live in winter. The people of Saint Paul were not happy about this! They wanted to show everyone that their city was lively and fun, even when it was cold.
So, they decided to create a big winter festival. They got the idea from a similar carnival in Montreal that had an amazing ice castle. Saint Paul built its own ice castle in 1886, and the first Winter Carnival began!
The carnival happened for a few years, then took some breaks. It stopped during World War II, but it started again in 1946 and has been an annual event ever since. In 2021, the carnival even had a drive-thru event with safety rules like wearing masks because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the early days, the carnival had cool activities like bobsledding and ice horse-racing on frozen lakes. It also helped bring the community closer, including local Native American tribes who would join the fun.
What Happens Today?
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival has grown a lot over the years! It usually takes place in January. The people who play the "Royal Family" characters make hundreds of appearances each year. They visit other cities and festivals to promote their community and encourage people to volunteer for good causes.
Here are some of the exciting things you can do at the Winter Carnival:
- Royal Coronation: This is where the King and Queen of the carnival are crowned.
- Grand Day Parade: A big parade with floats, music, and lots of people.
- Jigsaw Puzzle Competition: The biggest one in the whole country!
- Hotdish Competition: People make their best hotdish (a popular Minnesota casserole).
- Family Day: A special day for families at the Landmark Center.
- Kids' Day: Fun activities just for kids, presented by the YMCA.
- Snow Sculpting: Artists create amazing sculptures from huge blocks of snow.
- Ice Sculpture Carving: Watch talented carvers turn ice into beautiful art.
- Torchlight Parade: A parade at night with torches and lights.
- Winter Carnival Music Series: Enjoy live music performances.
- Ice Bars: Cool bars made entirely of ice!
Meet the Carnival Groups
The Royal Family
The Royal Family characters are chosen through special groups and, for the Queen and princesses, a pageant. They are like the official hosts of the carnival!
The Royal Family includes:
- King Boreas: The main king of the carnival.
- Aurora, Queen of the Snows: The beautiful queen.
- Princes and Princesses: Like Titan, Prince of the North Wind, and his princess. There are princes and princesses for the East, West, and South Winds too!
- King's Guards: They help protect the princesses.
The Vulcan Krewe
The Vulcan Krewe are the "fire" characters of the carnival. They are chosen each year through an application and interview process. Members commit to five years of service before they can become a "Fire King."
Members of the Vulcan Krewe
- Vulcanus Rex: He is the "True King" of the carnival, representing fire and warmth. He is the only one who wears red and black.
- General Flameous: The army commander and keeper of the flame.
- The Duke of Klinker: The Fire King's helper.
- The Count of Ashes: He helps wake up sleepy spirits.
- The Prince of Soot: He remembers past events.
- Baron Hot Sparkus: The "spark plug" of the group, full of energy.
- Count Embrious: The youngest and most romantic member.
- Grand Duke Fertilious: The member with the most children.
Vulcan Attire
The Fire King and his Krewe wear special "running suits." In the beginning, the Fire King wore a kingly outfit with lots of red. Over time, the uniform changed to the design you see today, with a special hat and a cape. In 2012, Vulcanus Rex started wearing a crown to show he is the victorious king of the carnival.
The Knighting Ceremony
Since 1956, the Fire King "knights" hundreds of people each year. This is a special award given to people who have done great things for their community, company, or family. They receive a certificate and a special "title."
The Royal Chariot
The Vulcan Krewe uses a cool old fire engine as their "Royal Chariot." It was built in 1932! It started as a Saint Paul fire truck and is believed to be the only one of its kind left. The Krewe has used it since the late 1950s, and they now own and take care of it.
The Medallion Hunt
Since 1952, there's been an exciting treasure hunt during the carnival! The Saint Paul Pioneer Press newspaper prints 12 clues over 12 days. These clues lead people to a local park where they search for a hidden medallion. The clues are often tricky until the last day, when they give a very close location.
The medallion has been hidden in funny places, like inside a diaper, a hamburger box, or even an Oreo cookie! The lucky people who find the medallion can win up to $10,000 and get to ride in the closing Torchlight Parade.
Ice Palace
The Ice Palace is a famous symbol of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. It's a huge, beautiful castle made from ice! Saint Paul has built 37 Ice Palaces over the years. Some famous ones were built in 1886, 1887, 1986, and 2004.
