Preparations are underway for the 2021 Saint Paul Winter Carnival
This will be the festival’s 135th anniversary, again making it the oldest winter festival in the United States. This year though, due to the CODVID-19 pandemic there will be changes.
For example, this weekend, on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, artists will begin carving their masterpieces out of big blocks of snow and ice, with their creations on display for viewers to get a look at from their cars.
“The Winter Carnival was created in 1886 to show the world how Saint Paul embraces winter,” says Deb Schaber, President and CEO of the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, the producers of the Carnival. “We believe we’ve created a schedule of events for our 135th anniversary that our Carnival creators would be proud of and our current day fans can enjoy safely. The majority of our 2021 events will be held outdoors and all will abide by COVID-19 required protocols such as social distancing and mask wearing.”
Traditions with a twist.
She says some events will not be held, like the parades, but others will go on with some accommodations.
Here's a list of events;
Drive-Thru Ice and Snow Sculpture Park at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Each day during Carnival, guests will be able to enjoy brilliant ice carvings and spectacular snow sculptures as they drive through the fairgrounds in the comfort of their cozy car. $20 dollars per car.
New this year;
Saint Paul Scavenger Hunt – Getting folks outside to explore Saint Paul parks, landmarks, and attractions – daily starting January 28.
Crafted: A Winter Carnival Craft Drink Experience using our passport to local breweries, distilleries, and artisan coffee shops – daily January 28 – February 28
Winter Carnival Ice Fishing Contest – January 1 through February 7
Securian Financial Winter Run (in-person and virtual) – Saturday, January 30
Virtual Winter Carnival Family Days – Saturday, January 30 and Saturday, February 6.
Winter Carnival Puzzle Competitions – In-Person (January 30) and Virtual (January 31)