The 2012 St. Paul Winter Carnival’s Royal Family was named Friday night during ceremonies at the RiverCentre.

Crowned Aurora, Queen of the Snows, was Ashleigh Hayes. She came to the title as Rice Street Festival queen.

Crowned King Boreas the 76th was Steve Cortinas. He is vice president/plant manager for Dakota Premium Foods in South St. Paul.

The pair will reign over the 11-day carnival, including the Grande Day Parade at 2 p.m. Saturday, and represent the winter festival at community events throughout the year.

The rest of the Royal Court:

Prime Minister: Steve Grans

Titan, Prince of the North Wind: Jason Denen

North Wind Princess: Gina Werner

Euros, Prince of the East Wind: Pat Igo

East Wind Princess: Monette Moorman

Zephyrus, Prince of the West Wind: Dave Wenda

West Wind Princess: Elizabeth Buenzow-Voracek

Notos, Prince of the South Wind: Chuck Sheffler

South Wind Princess: Lindsay Auger

King’s Guard Captain: Dan Wilson

King’s Sergeant: Greg Absey

King’s Guards: Don Apitz, Rob Clapp, Matt Fleming, Matthew Kamp, Tim Peterson and Sam Worms

Klondike Kate: Peggy Sweeney Junkin

Royal Coordinators: Bernadette Berg & Lisa Stotts

The 126th St. Paul Winter Carnival began Thursday and runs through Feb. 5.

Online: www.winter-carnival.com

Copyright 2012 Pioneer Press.