After six years as president and CEO of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, this is Beth Pinkney’s last year in the job.

In recognition of those six years, here are Pinkney’s six favorite things about the carnival, as well as some thoughts from other St. Paul notables.

BETH PINKNEY

 

  • Watching some of the top artists in the area design the ice sculptures in Rice Park and the snow carvings at the State Fairgrounds.
  • Seeing the smiles on the faces of young children when the bouncing team “bounces” them.
  • The Moon Glow Parade, Grande Day Parade and Torchlight Parade.
  • Rice Park with live entertainment, great food options, evergreen trees, the lights and the sounds of laughter from people who are embracing winter.
  • The ice castle display in Landmark Center.
  • The overthrow of King Boreas on the St. Paul Library steps (a signal spring is on its way) and finishing the night with the fireworks.

    GARRISON KEILLOR, HUMORIST, AUTHOR AND HOST OF “A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION” (JAN. 9, 2013)

    “I liked the Winter Carnival back when we used to have winter. The Rain & Slush Carnival isn’t as much fun. Maybe we should do this in October instead.”

    CHRIS COLEMAN, MAYOR OF ST. PAUL

    “I have always loved many of the Winter Carnival’s traditions. I look fondly back on my days as one of the “bouncers.” I also look forward to some of the new traditions like the Beer Dabbler. And although not technically a part of the Winter Carnival festivities, the return of Crashed Ice is something I hope becomes a winter tradition in St. Paul for years to come.”

    JOE SOUCHERAY, ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS COLUMNIST

     

  • Catching a glimpse of the Vulcans careening around in their old truck is always fun, especially if Vulcanus Rex is brandishing his sword.
  • The gushers of flame from the hot-air balloon contraptions during the Torchlight Parade.
  • Watching just that one lost and confused soul digging for treasure in Highland Park when 10,000 people have it figured out to be at Phalen.

NICHOLAS DAVID MROZINSKI, ST. PAUL MUSICIAN AND THIRD-PLACE FINALIST ON THIS SEASON’S “THE VOICE”

“I like the ice sculptures, the way the different lights glide across, almost slide across the sculpture. I love it.”

Copyright 2013 Pioneer Press.