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Pioneer Press Winter Carnival

Photos: Winners of the snow and ice sculpting contest for the 2023 St. Paul Winter Carnival

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The annual ice carving competitions never fail to produce dazzling works at art. This year is no different.By OLIVIA STEVENS | Pioneer Press
STP-L-CARVING-0131-2023-First-Place-Flakeophora-Sculptorious-by-House-of-Thune-e1675111971640.webp, Flakeophora Sculptorious" by House of Thune took top honors at the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition, part of the 2023 St. Paul Winter Carniv, STP-L-CARVING-0131-Winter-Verse.webp, Jan. 29, 2023 photo of the winning entry, "Winter Verse," in the Multi-Block Ice Carving competition of the 2023 St. Paul Winter Carnival. Team member, STP-L-CARVING-0131-Deneena-Hughes-Paul-Hughes-1st-Place-Single-Pro.webp, Jan. 29, 2023 courtesy photo of the winning entry, "Shoot for the Stars," in the Single Block Professional Ice Carving competition of the 2023 St. Pau, STP-L-CARVING-0131-Rose-Trellice.webp, Jan. 29, 2023 courtesy photo of the winning entry, "Rose Trellice," in the Single Block Artisan Ice Carving competition of the 2023 St. Paul Winter Ca
The winners of this year’s St. Paul Winter Carnival snow sculpting and ice carving competitions were announced Sunday.Ice carving
STP-L-CARVING-0131-Winter-Verse.webp, Jan. 29, 2023 photo of the winning entry, "Winter Verse," in the Multi-Block Ice Carving competition of the 2023 St. Paul Winter Carnival. Team member
The Winter Carnival’s annual ice carving competitions never fail to produce dazzling works at art. This year was no different.Of the multi-block carve
STP-L-CARVING-0131-2023-First-Place-Flakeophora-Sculptorious-by-House-of-Thune-e1675111971640.webp, Flakeophora Sculptorious" by House of Thune took top honors at the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition, part of the 2023 St. Paul Winter Carniv
Artists were hard at work at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for the top $1,000 cash prize and the opportunity to represent Minnesota at the National

Amid bitter cold, The Grande Day Parade fills downtown with color and merriment

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The parade — which includes floats, marching bands, royalty and those naughty Vulcans — is traditionally held on the St. Paul Winter Carnival’s first
STP-L-jea-07-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.jpg, Marchers proudly carry the King Boreas Grande Day Parade banner heralding the start of the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul, STP-L-jea-12-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128.webp, Liv Swenson, 2023 Aurora, Queen of Snows waves to the crowds at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, , STP-L-jea-17-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, Members of the Tux Team Pooper Scoopers ham it up at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John, STP-L-jea-18-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, Elly Johnson, 12, from Lakeville gets a Vulcan V at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John , STP-L-jea-06-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, Morgan Glancy, 8, from Stillwater stays warm at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John Aute, STP-L-jea-26-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, The Hilex Gnomes rest against the Wescott Station Antiques store after marching in the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on , STP-L-jea-25-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, The Osman Shriners ATV drill team performs during the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John Au, STP-L-jea-24-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, The Osman Shriners Clowns do what the do best and ham it up at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2, STP-L-jea-23-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, The St. Paul Harding High School Navy JROTC march at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John, STP-L-jea-22-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.jpg, The cold didn’t stop (from left) Cousins Bridgid Baker, 7, sisters Marienne, 7, and Morgan Osborne, 4, and Wesley Carroll, 5, from having fun at the 2, STP-L-jea-21-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128.webp, Single digit temperatures didn’t keep John Swoboda from St. Paul from enjoying the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Satu, STP-L-jea-20-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, It was all smiles from visiting princesses at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grand Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John Autey /, STP-L-jea-19-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, A bouncing girl with the St. Paul Bouncing Team rockets into the air during the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturda, STP-L-jea-16-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, 2023 Winter Carnival Senior Royalty King Winter Wesley Smith and Princess of the Four Winds Jane Lonsky wave to the crowds at the 2023 Winter Carnival, STP-L-jea-14-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, Its a party aboard the South Winds float at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John Autey / , STP-L-jea-11-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.jpg, Members of the Vikings Skol drum line march in the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John Autey, STP-L-jea-15-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, Past Klondike Kates join current Kate Maret Bylander in performing at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan, STP-L-jea-10-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III greats parade goers at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (J, STP-L-jea-09-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, A veteran with the 4th District American Legion carries the American Flag in the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturd, STP-L-jea-08-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, A snowflake bearer with festive glasses marches in the 2023 Winter Carnival Grands Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John A, STP-L-jea-05-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, Volunteers gather up small American flags to pass out at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (, STP-L-jea-04-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, Sports Grand Marshall Tom Reid stays warm before the start of the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 20, STP-L-jea-03-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, A Hilex Gnome marcher dons his costume before the start of the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023., STP-L-jea-02-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, Alongside Pioneer Press newspaper carrier bags full of candy, the Hilex Gnomes wait for the start of the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in dow, STP-L-jea-01-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128-1.webp, Snowflake bearers assemble prior to the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer
By JOHN AUTEY | Pioneeer PressThe St. Paul Winter Carnival hit one of its high points on Saturday when the Grande Day Parade filled downtown St. Paul

He’s Coach Boreas, Ph.D.: Former Viking and sports mentor Leo Lewis III crowned Winter Carnival’s 86th King Boreas

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Lewis also holds a doctoral degree in kinesiology and chose “Supporting Active Youth and Families” as his Boreas motto.
STP-L-jea-01-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127-1-e1674931167189.jpg, Leo E. Lewis, PhD, raises his scepter after being introduces as Boreas Rex LXXXVI during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at Saint Paul River
Leo E. Lewis III made a name for himself wearing purple — but now it’s time for him to put on blue.The former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and long

To feel less isolated after the pandemic, Liv Swenson ran for Queen of the Snows; she’s not isolated anymore

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STP-L-jea-04-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, Liv Swenson wipes away a tear after being named 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. Paul RiverCent, STP-L-jea-02-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127-1.webp, Liv Swenson reacts after being named 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at Saint Paul RiverCentre on Fri, STP-L-jea-03-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.jpg, Liv Swenson, right, gives a fellow candidate a hug after being named 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation , STP-L-jea-01-QUEEN-0129.webp, Liv Swenson waves to supporters after being named 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. Paul RiverCe, STP-L-jea-18-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows Liv Swenson and Boreas Rex LXXXVI Leo E. Lewis are introduced during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. , STP-L-jea-17-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows Liv Swenson and Boreas Rex LXXXVI Leo E. Lewis are introduced during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St.
By MOLLY GUTHREY | mguthrey@pioneerpress.com | Pioneer PressAfter the pandemic, many of us feel a lingering sense of isolation.Liv Swenson sure did.“I
2023 Queen of the Snows coronation
Winter Carnival rootsHer joy wasn’t only because of isolation’s end; it was also because of dreams and family.“This has been a dream of mine since I k
STP-L-jea-12-GRAND-DAY-PARADE-0128.webp, Liv Swenson, 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows, waves to the crowds at the 2023 Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade in downtown St. Paul on Saturday, Jan.
Our future Former Queen grew up in Inver Grove Heights and graduated in 2017 from the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts, where she studied dan
STP-L-jea-03-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.jpg, Liv Swenson, right, gives a fellow candidate a hug after being named 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation
While Swenson worked her way out of isolation by running for queen, she also recently rediscovered her love of baking — she enjoys creating and donati

Royal Family named for 2023 St. Paul Winter Carnival

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STP-L-jea-18-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows Liv Swenson and Boreas Rex LXXXVI Leo E. Lewis are introduced during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. , STP-L-jea-07-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, 2023 Prime Minister Gary Schaak speaks after being introduced during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. Paul RiverCentre on Friday, Jan., STP-L-jea-15-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, Jocelyn O’Neill, left, reacts after being named Princess of the South Wind during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. Paul RiverCentre on, STP-L-jea-14-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, Dennis Boe, the 2023 Notos, Prince of the South Wind lets out an "Ole!" in front of his wife Lisa after being introduced during the 2023 Winter Carniv, STP-L-jea-11-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, Emily Maestas reacts as she is named the 2023 East Wind Princess during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. Paul RiverCentre on Friday, J, STP-L-jea-08-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.jpg, Dave Schmidt, 2023 Titan, Prince of the North Wind walks to the stage with his wife Laura Schmidt during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at , STP-L-jea-13-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.jpg, Dee Barrett, the 2023 West Wind Princess, is crowned by the 2022 West Wind Princess Shannon Baier during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at , STP-L-jea-12-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, Mike Cummings lets loose a cowboy whoop after being introduced as the 2023 Zephyrus, Prince of the West Wind during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Cor, STP-L-jea-09-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, Rahila Hungiapuko is crowned North Wind Princess by 2022 North Wind Princess Kylie Johnson during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. Pau, STP-L-jea-10-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, Lew Vogel, right, 2023 Euros, Prince of the East Wind lights up as he is introduced during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. Paul River, STP-L-jea-06-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, The 2023 St. Paul Winter Carnival Aurora of the Snows candidates pose for a photo during the Royal Coronation at St. Paul RiverCentre on Friday, Jan. , STP-L-jea-05-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, Vulcans light up the crowd at the end of the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. Paul RiverCentre on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. (John Autey / Pio, STP-L-jea-15-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, Leo E. Lewis raises his scepter after being introduced as Boreas Rex LXXXVI during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St. Paul RiverCentre o, STP-L-jea-02-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127-1.webp, Liv Swenson reacts after being named 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at Saint Paul RiverCentre on Fri, STP-L-jea-17-ROYAL-CORONATION-0127.webp, 2023 Aurora, Queen of the Snows Liv Swenson and Boreas Rex LXXXVI Leo E. Lewis are introduced during the 2023 Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at St.
The St. Paul Winter Carnival named its 2023 royalty Friday night at the RiverCentre, choosing former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Leo E. Lewis to r

The 2023 St. Paul Winter Carnival kicks off with downtown ‘Light the Park’ event

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The Royal Family and the Vulcans joined with community members in Rice Park on Thursday night for the official festival start.
STP-L-jea-05-LIGHT-THE-PARK-0126.webp, Torch bearers make an appearance at Rice Park in St. Paul on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. The Royal Family and the Vulcans joined with community members t, STP-L-jea-01-LIGHT-THE-PARK-0126.webp, After moving from Cleveland, Delila, left, and Frodo enjoy their first Winter Carnival as they join their owners Brittany and Brad Postell, from Apple, STP-L-jea-04-LIGHT-THE-PARK-0126.webp, (l-r) Sisters Charlotte, 9, Lu, 6 and Frankke Johnston, all from Blaine, wave their glow wands at Rice Park in St. Paul on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. Th, STP-L-jea-06-LIGHT-THE-PARK-0126.jpg, The Landmark Center is the backdrop for a laser light show as part of the Winter Carnival’s Light The Park at Rice Park in St. Paul on Thursday, Jan. , STP-L-jea-02-LIGHT-THE-PARK-0126.webp, Ellie Bowen, center facing, 11, from White Bear Lake, Lyndsey Thron,, second from right, 18, from Mounds View, and Chloe Lunzer, right, 14, from Still, STP-L-jea-03-LIGHT-THE-PARK-0126.webp, As 2022 Winter Carnival royals speaks, a hot air balloon burner shoots a flame into the sky at Rice Park in St. Paul on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. The R
By JOHN AUTEY | Pioneeer PressThe 2023 St. Paul Winter Carnival got its start at Rice Park in downtown St. Paul on Thursday night.Accentuated by a tor

Where to eat if you’re in downtown St. Paul for the Winter Carnival

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If you’re looking for a place to warm up and grab a bite, downtown and Lowertown have lots of great options, even though the pandemic has claimed a fe
stp-z-noyes-01-1.webp, The dining room at the new Noyes & Cutler in Lowertown. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Are you planning to come to downtown St. Paul for the Winter Carnival?If you’re looking for a place to warm up and grab a bite, downtown and Lowertown
brunchh-10.webp, Guests enjoy brunch as they watch a late morning thunderstorm from the windows of Saint Dinette in St. Paul's Lowertown neighborhood. (John Autey / Pi
Saint Dinette: This eclectic, chef-driven eatery is one of my favorite places to grab a bite and a drink. The bright, modern restaurant has a menu ful
STP-Z-Bullvinos-03.webp, At the Brazilian steakhouse, Bullvino’s Churrascaria in St. Paul's Lowertown, food is served churrasco-style, in which servers roam the dining room wi
Bullvino’s Churrascaria: This Brazilian steakhouse is expensive, but you get a lot of high-quality meat for that price tag. Grilled meats, often skewe
20150605__150611eat-afrodeli_chickenfantastic.webp, Afro Deli's Chicken Fantastic is truly fantastic. (Pioneer Press: Jess Fleming)
Afro Deli: For a flavor-packed, quick lunch downtown, Afro Deli is my favorite spot. African-spiced meats, chapati wraps, the hard-to-explain but oh-s
stp-z-wheretoeat-09.webp, Pepperoni pizza at Momento in downtown St. Paul. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Momento: Pazzaluna is no more, but Morrissey Hospitality (St. Paul Grill, Tria, Stockyards Tavern and many more) wisely kept the pizza oven and is mak
stp-l-soup-02.webp, Chili Sampler at The Loon in St. Paul. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)
Loon Cafe St. Paul: Minneapolis’ favorite pre-game spot has opened in the former Great Waters spot in the historic Hamm Building, and it is serving it

Meet the canine king and queen of the St. Paul Winter Carnival

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A Husky mix and a Shih Tzu will be the first winners ever to walk in the King Boreas Grande Day Parade.By MOLLY GUTHREY | mguthrey@pioneerpress.com |
Lucy, Canine Queen of the 2023 St. Paul Winter Carnival
The royal titles for these events date back to 2013; in this year’s online campaign, which ran from Jan. 11 through Jan. 22, people could vote once a

Meet the 11 candidates for Aurora, Queen of the Snows of the 2023 St. Paul Winter Carnival

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A kindergarten teacher, a veteran, a social worker and an oncology nurse.
jea-0017-WC-Royal-Coronation-22.webp, Queen of the Snows, Effie Barnes and Boreas LXXXIV, Billy Given during the 2022 St. Paul Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at the Saint Paul RiverCentr
Would you agree to a yearlong volunteer commitment that involves taking time off from work, traveling across the region (and beyond), speaking to grou
jea-0002-WC-Royal-Coronation-22.webp, Queen of the Snows candidates wait to go onstage during the 2022 St. Paul Winter Carnival Royal Coronation at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on Friday, Ja
Copyright 2023 Pioneer Press.

Voting ends Sunday for canine versions of King Boreas and Queen of the Snows

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You can vote once a day through Sunday for one of the 202 candidates at uniondepot.org/doggiedepot
STP-L-DOGGIEDEPOT-0120-003.jpg, After being crowned canine royalty of the 2017 St. Paul Winter Carnival during Union Depot’s Doggie Depot event in Lowertown on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017
By MOLLY GUTHREY | mguthrey@pioneerpress.com | Pioneer PressThere’s still time for the public to vote for the canine versions of King Boreas and Queen
STP-L-DOGGIEDEPOT-0120-001.webp, The 2019 King Boreas, Monte S. Johnson, poses with Gunnar, the Canine King Boreas (left) while the 2019 Queen of the Snows, Alison Gunter, poses with
Afterward, the royal family will be available to greet fans until about 11:30 a.m.Doggie Depot, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 4, is free a
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