St. Paul Winter Carnival Invites Public to Share Memories Ahead of 2026 Event

The organizers of the St. Paul Winter Carnival are reaching out to the public for cherished memories as they prepare for the upcoming celebration, set to run from January 22 to February 1, 2026. With fewer than 100 days until the festival begins, the “Remember When” campaign invites individuals to share their favorite moments related to the Carnival, whether it be a childhood memory, a family tradition, or a unique experience that encapsulates the spirit of the event.

Participants can submit their entries via email to [email protected], or upload them directly to the St. Paul Winter Carnival website at wintercarnival.com/p/getinvolved/remember-when. For those preferring traditional mail, submissions can be sent to the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation at 75 W. Fifth Street, Suite 429, St. Paul, MN 55102. The selected memories will be showcased across various platforms, including the Carnival’s website and social media channels.

Countdown to Carnival: New Prime Minister Announced

On the same day marking the 100-day countdown to the Carnival, the organizers announced Tom Barrett as the 2026 Prime Minister of the Royal Family. This role entails overseeing logistics for the royal family as they attend various events throughout the year. While additional members of the royal family will be disclosed later, Barrett has already contributed personal memories to the campaign.

In a recent statement, Barrett expressed his long-standing connection to the Winter Carnival, noting, “I’ve been involved with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival since the early 1970s when I ran for (and lost) the Junior Royalty. But my best experience was in 2004 when I was Vulcanus Rex and along with my Vulcan Krewe, we greeted people from all over the world to our Ice Palace in St Paul!” He reflected on the joy of seeing children along the parade route, eager to share in the Carnival’s traditions.

Commemorative Coin for 140th Anniversary

In conjunction with the 140th anniversary of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation has announced the release of a commemorative coin. The coin features a bejeweled logo celebrating the milestone on one side, while the reverse displays an image of the first Winter Carnival ice palace. A total of 1,886 coins will be available, symbolizing the inaugural year of the Carnival.

The coin will go on sale to the public on October 17, 2023, for $140, marking the 140th anniversary. Members of the foundation can purchase the coins in advance for $100 while supplies last. Interested individuals can find more information or make a purchase by visiting wintercarnival.com and navigating to the “Marketplace” section.

The St. Paul Winter Carnival continues to be a cherished tradition, uniting generations through shared experiences and celebrating the community’s vibrant spirit. As the event approaches, the call for memories highlights the festival’s deep roots and the joy it brings to the region.