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Saint Paul Winter Carnival

When you live in a state that has an onslaught of regular below zero temperatures, it is important to bundle up and just deal with it. "Deal with it" seems to be a defeatist way to look at it. Many Minnesotan carry the mindset to "embrace it" instead. The positive outlook will provide a shield to cold temperatures and provide just as much warmth as a thick winter jacket (science has not proven this yet, but I imagine it will soon).

"Embrace it" can be taken a little further to "celebrate it" and that is exactly what the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is here for. It was started as a way to show out of state folks from warmer climates, like balmy New York, that we are fit for human habitation. Since 1886, you can partake in endless winter activities like (or not really since winter does end and so does the Winter Carnival, and there is a finite list of events, but you could make up your own events so there might really be endless opportunities):

  • Parades
  • Ice and Snow Sculptures
  • Ice Bars
  • Medallion Treasure Hunt
  • 5K+ Running events
  • Jigsaw Puzzle Competition (Largest annual competition in the United States)
  • Ice Castles
  • And so much more

You will probably do some digging and find out there are also indoor activities as a way to say we are not true outdoor winter people in Minnesota. Like why is there an indoor jigsaw puzzle competition during a predominately outdoor winter event? Does it matter? Nobody is stopping you from completing jigsaw puzzles outside on a below zero day. It could be fun.

A yearly highlight is running around public land in Saint Paul and the greater Ramsey Country area to search for a hidden medallion. You could win $15,000 this year if you find it first. Just a hint, you won't win because somebody else is going to beat you to it. Seriously, some people have found this thing more than once throughout the years. You have to decode vague and many times weak or misleading clues to narrow down your search. In the end the medallion might have been thrown in the middle of a park field and you have to just grab a shovel and dig through feet of snow to find it. But go out and search for it! It is thrilling to see tons of people digging throughout parks all over the county to find this gem or pride. There are tons of parks and public land in the area and the search gives yet another way to explore them in their frozen glory.

Put on your jacket, grab some mittens and a hat, and get outside to enjoy the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Wait, you are going to need much more than that. Put on some additional layers, get some warm socks, get a scarf or even better one of those complete hood/scarf/ninja mask things, please wear boots too, now you can go outside. This is a must for all of you warm blooded non-Minnesotan friends I am trying to get to move here. Once you have lived here, if we get a rare warm day, (27 degrees Fahrenheit) maybe don't wear that much because you will sweat since you have been accustomed to years of winter.

So move here and partake in the festivities. If you don't like it, it is your own fault. There is no way it is the winter's fault. 

What type boring indoor room temperature stale air winter celebration does your city have to offer?

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