Wednesday marks 100 days until the 134th St. Paul Winter Carnival. That means 100 days to get ready for a few changes — some familiar and some new — to the “Coolest Celebration on Earth.”
Ice Carving Competition, the entertainment stage and the ice bar will return to Rice Park in the heart of downtown St. Paul in 2020.
Those traditional Winter Carnival activities moved out of the park last winter while the park was being renovated.
The King Boreas Grand Day Parade at the start of festivities and the Torchlight Parade at the end of Winter Carnival also will conclude their routes at Rice Park. Food and merchandise vendors will return to the park, too, according to a Winter Carnival news release on Tuesday.
Last year, these events were moved a few blocks away to Kellogg Mall Park.
But it’s not all a return to the familiar.
Winter Carnival festivities will expand across the street from Rice Park to Landmark Plaza and Market Street between Fifth and Sixth streets.
A large heated tent will be set up on Market Street with craft beers, cocktails, games, snacks and live entertainment. According to a news release, family activities, including a kids’ “Snow Box” and snow and ice displays are planned for the area.
Wells Fargo WinterSkate is usually set up on Landmark Plaza during the winter holidays and through Winter Carnival. The artificially chilled outdoor rink and warming house have been a St. Paul tradition in the shadow of Landmark Center.
St. Paul Parks and Recreation said Tuesday: We can confirm that WinterSkate will relocate for the 2019-2020 season. Official details will be shared when finalized, likely next week.”
Deb Schaber, president and CEO of the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation, said in a prepared statement that Winter Carnival organizers are happy to be back in Rice Park.
“Our team is busy coordinating our popular signature events such as the parades, ice sculpture contests, Royal Coronation, and the Vulcan Snow Park. But, we’re also excited to be creating new events to attract a wide variety of potential Winter Carnival goers such as the Winter Carnival Global Market; Drag Queen Bingo; the Hops & Hounds outdoor celebration of pups and craft beer; and a Scotch tasting event.”
The 2020 St. Paul Winter Carnival will be Jan. 23 to Feb. 2. For more info: wintercarnival.com.
Copyright 2019 Pioneer Press.