Jake Spitzack
Staff Writer
Despite the mild weather, several annual winter festivals are planned in February and will offer loads of outdoor fun. Here’s what’s on tap. Details were accurate as of press time. Check websites before you go for the latest updates.
WSP Winter Fun Fest
The annual Winter Fun Fest in West St. Paul returns 2-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, at Dodge Nature Center, 1701 Charlton St. People of all ages are invited to take part in outdoor activities including sleigh rides, snowshoeing, boot hockey, ice golf, otter sliding, kicksledding and more. Visitors can also join a medallion hunt for the chance to win a prize package, or simply watch the festivities while kicking back by a crackling bonfire. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The event is free and no registration is required.
MH Frozen Fun Fest
The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its third annual Frozen Fun Fest February 9-11. Here’s the line-up. Some events require registration. For more information or to register for events, visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/frozenfunfest.
Coloring contest, Feb. 5-11. Color a wintery masterpiece for a chance to win prizes. Coloring sheets can be picked up at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, or found at mendotaheightsmn.gov by searching “coloring.” Drop off completed coloring sheets at City Hall during normal business hours or in the outdoor utility bill drop box at City Hall after hours. Sheets can also be picked up and dropped off at any Frozen Fun Fest event.
Medallion Hunt begins Monday, Feb. 5 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 13, or until the medallion is found. Search the City’s public parks for the medallion. The winner receives a Minnesota-themed gift basket valued at $200. Daily clues will be posted at 9 a.m. on the City’s website and at facebook.com/MHParksandRec.
Valentines in the Village and Cupid’s Crawl, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, at Market Square Park, 720 Main St. Visit several local businesses to collect entries for raffle baskets, and visit the enclosed tent to enjoy a magician 5-5:45 p.m. and live music 6:30-8 p.m.
Puzzle competition, 9 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Feb. 11, in the gymnasium at Mendota Elementary, 1979 Summit Lane. Teams or individuals will race to finish a 500-piece puzzle. Each member of the winning team will receive a puzzle to take home. Free. Registration required.
Ice Block Party, 4-6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9, at Friendly Hills Park, 2360 Pueblo Ln. Lace up your skates or snowshoes and grab some s’mores and cocoa. Food trucks will be on site.
Youth ice fishing demonstrations, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10 at Roger’s Lake Park. Youth ages 14 and under can learn to ice fish from experts. Registration is required. Free.
Winter Carnival
The St. Paul Winter Carnival kicked off Jan. 25 but Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe won’t overthrow King Boreas until Feb. 3 so there’s still time to enjoy the nation’s oldest and coldest winter festival. Here’s a lineup of the remaining events.
Vulcan Snow Park at the Fairgrounds, through Feb. 4. Visitors will find a snow maze, snow mountain playing area and the artistic creations of master snow carvers who competed in the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting competition that wrapped up Jan. 28. The large, frosty sculptures are always stunning to see and make for a great photo backdrop. Admission and parking are free. Additionally, the Multi-block Ice Carving Competition at Rice Park wrapped up on Jan. 27, but the sculptures remain on display through Feb. 4.
Ice Fishing Tournament, through Feb. 4. Download the FishDonkey mobile app and search “winter carnival” to join. Prizes will be awarded to the top anglers in 10 categories.
St. Paul Scavenger Hunts, through Feb. 4. The North Wind Hunt has 30 clues that take you to 30 places in St. Paul. The West Wind Hunt at Phalen Park is designed for families. The South Wind Hunt features 30 clues that can be solved from the comfort of your home. The East Wind Hunt is the most challenging and includes a collection of puzzles to solve from various St. Paul locations.
Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tours, through Feb. 4. $20-25. For tickets, visit cyncitytours.com.
Winter Carnival Memorabilia Display, Feb. 1-3, at the Landmark Center. Hours vary. Knowledgeable volunteers will share stories of the Carnival.
“Frozen” Family Fun Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30 at Landmark Center. The event features a meet-and-greet with Ana, Elsa and Kristoff from 6-7 p.m., story time and “Frozen” singalong, snow activities with junior royalty and more. Free.
Rondo Night, 5-9:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1 at Landmark Center. The event features music and art from BIPOC artists, food and drawings for prizes.
Winter Carnival’s Day of Good is Friday, Feb. 2. The day will have many opportunities to donate food, blankets or blood, and spread cheer into the community. The Northwind Titan Trooper will be parked at the Landmark Center to collect the donations for the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. Bring non-perishable food items and new or gently used mittens and hats.
St. Paul Bouncing Team tryouts, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2 at Landmark Center. Free.
Kids’ & Family Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Landmark Center. Kids will be able to play, watch performances, participate in art and craft activities, and more. Vendors will also be on site. Free.
The Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade will weave its way through the city beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3. The route goes from West 7th at Smith Avenue, to 5th Street, to Washington, to 4th Street at Rice Park. After the parade, follow Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe to the steps of the Central Library for the ever-dramatic overthrow of Boreas. Stick around afterward for fireworks and music.
The Vulcan Victory Dance is 7:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd. The band High and Mighty will perform beginning at 8 p.m. $25.
Doggie Depot, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Union Depot. Stop by for the crowning of the Canine King & Queen, giveaways, interviews with pet experts and more. Free.
Friday Night Party Zone, 4-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Rice Park. Join PJ the DJ for a dance party in the huge warming tent.
Kids and Family Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 at Landmark Center. Visitors can meet and pet friendly dogs of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and participate in Pick-A-Prize Bingo 1-3 p.m. Free.
BEAR’ly Open Golf on Ice, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3 on White Bear Lake. Play a round on a course on the frozen lake. Proceeds benefit the White Bear Lake Food Shelf. Register at www.bearlyopen.org.
The buttons for this year’s carnival were designed by Kao Lee Thao. The cost is $5 for one and $19 for the collector’s 4-pack. A limited edition 4-pack with a commemorative glittery snowflake pin is also available for $20. Buttons may be purchased at Cub Foods and other local retailers, or online at wintercarnival.com. Each button card features a schedule of events and a new Winter Carnival Fun Pass with discounts at local businesses and the chance to win prizes, including a night stay at Great Wolf Lodge and a $300 dining credit and cabana (valued at $1,600), and two tickets to the Tim McGraw Concert at Xcel Energy Center on April 20.
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