JAN 28, 2014 PROGRAM:
Saint Paul Winter Carnival -- The Coolest Celebration on Earth
In 1886, Saint Paul was America’s fastest growing city. Growing from 39,000 residents in 1880 to 120,000 residents in 1886, Saint Paul had also become America’s third largest rail center. To celebrate their city’s success, Saint Paul business leaders produced the inaugural Saint Paul Winter Carnival, which was held during the first two weeks of February in 1886. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival has played a prominent role in our community since.
In addition to showcasing Saint Paul, the business leaders wanted to disprove a New York newspaper reporter who had described their beloved city as “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation in the winter.” Patterned after Montreal’s Winter Carnival, the first Saint Paul Winter Carnival included parades, skiing, snow shoeing, a blanket tossing contest, and push ball, a game played with giant balls. The most successful attractions were its ice castle and six large toboggan slides.
Throughout its 125-year history, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has been an integral part of the social fabric of Saint Paul. Carnival reaches out to the people of the Greater Saint Paul area to weave a tapestry of cultures with educational and cultural programming.
On February 28 the 2011 King Boreas and Prime Minister will give their perspectives on opportunities and challenges for the Winter Carnival in the second decade of the 21st century. They will discuss the “what’s in it for me” for local business leaders and especially the role for Saint Paul Rotary and its members.