Saint Paul Winter Carnival Celebrates 125th Anniversary

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the oldest winter festival in the United States, has brought family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area, Minnesota, since 1886 and this year the �Coolest Celebration on Earth�� celebrates its 125th anniversary from January 27 to February 6.

In honor of the sesquicentennial celebration, the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation Winter Carnival organizers have strived to create and promote 125 events under this year�s festival umbrella. All events take place in the City of Saint Paul and are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

In addition to its traditional events, the 2011 calendar of activities also includes numerous outdoor athletic events, supports the Saint Paul arts scene and rallies behind the U of M Golden Gophers in a variety of sports.

Most events will take place in Downtown Saint Paul in and around Rice Park and Landmark Center, Lake Phalen, the Como Park area, as well as the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Its traditional events include the Ice Carving Competition (in addition to the spectacular ice carvings, Rice Park will host live music from local artists daily), snow sculptures, historic winter carnival displays, fireworks, and the Royal Coronation. With the help of the Carnival�s legendary characters � King Boreas and the Royal Family, Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe, and the Royal Order of the Klondike Kates � the Saint Paul Winter Carnival will be 11 days of excitement and entertainment for all ages.

Among the new festivities for 2011 is the Winter Carnival Talent Contest.

For more information about top events in Minnesota take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Minnesota.

For the most current information on the 125th Saint Paul Winter Carnival visit www.winter-carnival.com

Skiing, Sledding, Skating in Wintertime Cleveland Plus

Winter in Cleveland, Ohio is about more than just sweaters, scarves, mittens and boots. Winter is a time to experience the best of the season in a region that truly embraces the weather. So, whether they're racing down a 1,000-foot-long ice chute or cheering on the city's ice hockey team, visitors should know there's no better time to experience the unexpected side of Cleveland Plus than in the wintertime.

There are a number of festivals and events, among them, on February 19, the Brite Winter, a local festival held celebrating winter on the Cuyahoga River. This year, the Brite Winter festival, held at the newly created Rivergate Park adjacent to Hart Crane Memorial Park in the Flats, features a bonfire with marshmallows, a wintry mini-golf course, food, beverages and live music all outdoors.

From February 26 to March 6 the Greater Cleveland Auto Show is an exciting ten-day event held at the I-X Center that features more than 1,000 production, concept and classic vehicles. This includes domestic and imported vehicles, sport utility vehicles, mini vans and experimental, never-been-seen-before vehicles for enthusiasts alike. In addition to the cars and other vehicles, the auto show features celebrity sports figures and autograph signings

The Cleveland International Film Festival from March 21 to April 3 features two weeks of more than 250 films originating from nearly 80 countries. Visiting filmmakers, panel discussion and student screenings are all festival highlights.

For more information about top events in Ohio take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Ohio.

For more information on Wintertime in Cleveland Plus visit www.positivelycleveland.com