Guide to the 2012 Saint Paul Winter Carnival

For the past 125 years, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has brought a little heat and fun to some of the coldest days of the year.

Started as a way to show a stubborn east coast reporter that there was more to do during a Minnesota winter then sit inside and dream of spring, the Winter Carnival has gone from an “I’ll show you” event to one of the largest winter celebrations on the planet.

This year’s carnival, slated for January 26 to February 5, promises to mix tradition with a smattering of new events.

Like every carnival before it, this year’s event will pit King Boreas and his royal subjects against the Vulcans, who strive to bring the warmth of spring to the city. Eventually, the Vulcans are victorious, but not before nearly a million people enjoy events like parades, beer tastings, treasure hunts, ice sculptures, ice skating and hot air balloons.

One of the most popular Winter Carnival events is the annual Treasure Hunt. Starting on Jan. 22, thousands of hunters will read daily clues in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press and hunt for the elusive medallion that is worth up to $10,000 if the finder has a registered carnival button. This year’s hunt should be interesting, since most of St. Paul is without snow, meaning that this year’s hunt could be one of the most difficult in history.

As someone who has hunted in the past, my only advice is to not look too deep into the clues. Whoever the clue writer is, he or she gets a high from messing with the brains of amateur sleuths.

If seeking treasure isn’t your thing, another fun carnival attraction in the ice sculptures in Rice Park. The setting is absolutely beautiful as the park, surrounded by some of St. Paul’s most beautiful buildings comes alive with lights and ice creations. Last year, an ice bar, serving locally produces libations was introduced and with any luck cold temperatures will bring it back in 2012.

The carnival has a soft spot in my heart. In 2006 my wife and I were married amid the ice sculptures in Rice Park. While some say it was a cold day in hell because I finally got married, it was a pleasant and balmy 20 degrees as we said our vows in front of hundreds of passersby celebrating the cold and frivolity only St. Paul can bring.

Blair Reynolds is a freelance writer and stay-at-home dad located in South St. Paul, Minn.


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