Buying stock in a block of ice not only will help keep the St. Paul Winter Carnival’s ice-sculpting event cool but also provide a little warmth to those in need.
The St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation announced Wednesday that stock to fund the carnival’s signature ice-carving contest is now available.
“Basically, it is an opportunity in the community to buy a piece of the ice carvings,” said Kathy Bjerke, chairwoman of the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation.
This year, with every stock sold, $5 will be given to St. Paul’s Dorothy Day Center to provide food for about 1,400 people.
“It’s a community festival, and we believe in giving back to the community,” Bjerke said. “The Dorothy Day house is very close to where the ice sculptures are, and it’s great for the community.”
It’s the second consecutive year that the cost of producing and managing the ice-sculpting event has been brought to the public.
“The ice carvings are one of the premier events of the St. Paul Winter Carnival,” Bjerke said. “When we had issues over funding, we said, ‘let’s go to the community.’ ”
Though the foundation did not meet its goals last season, members considered it a success, Bjerke said.
This season, fundraising is starting months in advance.
Because the carnival is in its 123rd year, the “stocks” will be sold for $123 each. The first 123 participants will have the chance to participate in the carnival parade.
All stockholders will receive a certificate of ownership.
The fundraising goal is $123,000, which would cover the costs of producing and managing the ice-carving contest.
Stock can be purchased through the carnival’s Web site, winter-carnival.com, or by calling 651-223-4700.
The carnival will be from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1, mainly in downtown St. Paul.
About 20 to 30 people will participate in the single- or multiblock competition. Prizes go to the first six place winners, as well as to the community’s choice and the carvers’ choice.
Katherine Wolfe can be reached at 651-265-2484.
Copyright 2008 Pioneer Press.
