It Might as Well Be Spring

St. Paul

The temperature outside may still be in the teens, but winter is as good as over here. On Feb. 2, Punxsutawney Phil, the all-American groundhog, saw his shadow — promising six more weeks of winter for most of the country. That very night, however, St. Paul crowds watched as torch-bearing "Vulcans" overwhelmed the "Royal Guards" and dethroned winter's King Boreas in a battle that has taken place every year since 1886.

Spring was on the way.

AFSCME members participate in and volunteer for the dozens of events during St. Paul's annual 10-day winter carnival. Many of them work to provide the infrastructure that makes it possible.

City parks and recreation employees — members of Local 1842 (Council 14) — have a special responsibility. Every year, they coordinate the selection of Junior and Senior Royalty, recruiting contestants from youth and senior citizen centers throughout the city. Each group has its own coronation ceremony, and both entourages participate in two parades and other carnival events.

From coronation activities to parades, members make sure the festivities go smoothly. The royal parties spend the following year as St. Paul ambassadors, visiting hospitals and nursing homes, and representing the city at a variety of events.

So put on the snow boots: On these two pages, we take you to the ice carnival — and to AFSCME members who make it happen.