King Boreas vs. Vulcanis Rex

"St. Paul...is another Siberia, unfit for human habitation in the winter.”

So wrote a snotty New York Times reporter in 1885 regarding the fast-growing railroad town of St. Paul, Minnesota.  Determined to prove him wrong, city business leaders organized the first St. Paul Winter Carnival in 1886 (complete with its own Ice Palace, left), and it's remained an annual winter tradition here in St. Paul ever since! Tying the outdoor activities, contests, and parades together is a whimsical legend replete with royalty, villainy, and mythic elemental power.  In fact, it sounds a bit like something you might read about in a superhero comic book!

Here's the story: Boreas, King of the Winds, made St. Paul his earthly winter playground, but Vulcanis Rex, the fire god, who hated Boreas and his winter activities, vowed to get rid of the wind king. In commemoration of their meeting, each year King Boreas reigns supreme for ten days until Vulcan and his "krewe" come along to send Boreas and the king's Royal Guard back to Mt. Olympus.

Each year, eager local citizens are chosen to play the warring forces of Boreas and Vulcan, who then make appearances at various events and parades....clearly relishing the drama of their roles and costumes. Yes, I said "costumes"...just like in the comics.

...and the Fortress of Solitude doesn't have anything on the Ice Palace:

Today marks the opening of the 122nd St. Paul Winter Carnival.  We're still crazy to live here...but at least we're still having fun. 

Take that snotty 1885 New York Times reporter!