The quest is on for St. Paul’s next Royal Family, as the Winter Carnival seeks princesses, queens and royal elders for the annual festival. The carnival runs from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1.
The Royal Family acts as ambassadors of St. Paul during the carnival, and appears at about 300 events throughout the year, said Cindy Shanley, operations and volunteer director of the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation.
There are several carnival activities for subjects of St. Paul’s kingdom, too.
One pre-carnival affair is the unveiling of the Winter Carnival buttons. Mayor Chris Coleman will reveal the button Dec. 6 at Dixie’s on Grand. Once the secret’s out, free fire truck rides will be offered to the public, and the Klondike Kates will sing holiday songs. The event will close with a reading of the legend by 2008’s royalty.
Winter Carnival buttons will be sold for $5, or $20 for a collector’s pack, at Dixie’s, Cub Foods, Snyders Drug, SuperAmerica and other local retailers.
Next year marks the carnival’s 123rd anniversary. It began in 1886 to celebrate the city’s success as America’s fastest growing city. This celebration includes several traditional events — like the button unveiling, royalty coronation and Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt — as well as new activities like a laser light show.
The carnival brings 350,000 visitors to St. Paul, and up to $5 million of economic activity to the city, according to the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation.
Those interested in running for Queen of the Snows can apply at www.winter-carnival.com, or by contacting Cindy Shanley at cshanley@winter-carnival.com by Nov. 30.
Seniors, ages 55 and older who live in Ramsey, Hennepin, Washington or Dakota counties and want to be one of six members of Senior Royalty should contact Mary Livingston at 651-266-6447 or mary.livingston@ci.stpaul.mn.us by Dec. 26.
Copyright 2008 Pioneer Press.
