The 2016 Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade drew thousands to downtown St. Paul on Saturday night. The Torchlight Parade features propane burners (usually from hot-air balloons), which shoot flames some two stories high, lighting (and heating) the streetscape and thrilling parade-goers. Another highlight: Acrobats from the St. Paul Bouncing Team.

  • Propane burners light up Fifth Street downtown during the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)
  • The St. Paul Bouncing Team performs during the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, on Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. Inspired by an Eskimo hunting tradition, the bouncing team brings its acrobatics to social events year-round, but the Winter Carnival is the highlight; it's the festival's longest-running tradition. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)
  • "Torches" -- propane burners from hot-air balloons -- light up Fifth Street and thrill those in the skyway above during the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, on Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)
  • An old fire truck was a comfortable perch for a ride during the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, on Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)
  • Ray Murphy of St Paul is lit by a glow stick as he watches the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, on Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)
  • Jen Tamburo of Afton hangs on for the ride inside a hot air balloon basket at the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade on Feb. 6, 2016. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)
  • Ash of Lino Lakes took his torch past Rice Park during the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, on Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)
  • With Rice Park as a festive backdrop, Guy Palmateer of New Brighton, bottom left, and Brian Rydzeski of Shoreview watch the Torchlight Parade on Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)
  • Propane burners light up Fifth Street downtown during the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)
  • The St. Paul Bouncing Team performs during the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, on Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. Inspired by an Eskimo hunting tradition, the bouncing team brings its acrobatics to social events year-round, but the Winter Carnival is the highlight; it's the festival's longest-running tradition. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)

 
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The St. Paul Bouncing Team performs during the Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, on Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. Inspired by an Eskimo hunting tradition, the bouncing team brings its acrobatics to social events year-round, but the Winter Carnival is the highlight; it's the festival's longest-running tradition. (Special to the Pioneer Press: Craig Lassig)

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