In its 30th appearance since Saturday, the new St. Paul Winter Carnival Vulcan Krewe surprised children at Falcon Heights Elementary School in Falcon Heights on Tuesday afternoon.
“Why can’t you make it summer now?” one student yelled after a Krewe member read the Winter Carnival legend to the group of first- and fourth-graders.
Vulcanus Rex LXXVIII, whose identity will be revealed at Saturday’s Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, explained that he was doing his job ushering in warm weather.
“It’s above zero, ain’t it?” he asked, as one child in the crowd replied, “That’s a good point.”
The students had more demands: “Make Alaska warm.” “Explain why Florida is summer all year.”
After fielding questions, Vulcanus Rex knighted siblings Norah and Henry Malloy.
Fourth-grader Norah — who loves basketball — was named the Duchess of Dunk.
It’s kind of embarrassing to be the center of attention, Norah said. But the 9-year-old isn’t new to the spotlight. She was knighted by King Boreas a few years ago, she said.
The Krewe handed out Winter Carnival coloring books, marked the students’ cheeks with their signature grease “V” and took photos with the students on their 83-year-old fire truck, Luverne.
Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe hit the streets at 7 a.m. and don’t return until 10:30 p.m. at the earliest, said Jacques Peulen, chairman of the Fire King and 2015 Vulcan Krewe Advisory.
The Vulcans will continue visiting schools and nursing homes and doing charity work throughout the year.
The Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and travels up Fifth Street from Lowertown to Rice Park.
After the parade, Rex and his Krewe will overthrow Boreas — and drive winter from the realm — on the steps of the St. Paul Central Library, across from Rice Park.
The production will be followed by fireworks over the Mississippi River, launched from Raspberry Island, next to the Wabasha Street Bridge.
Katie Kather can be reached at 651-228-5006. Follow her at twitter.com/ktkather.
Copyright 2015 Pioneer Press.
