Buttons - Saint Paul Winter Carnival

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival proudly introduces Kao Lee Thao as our 2024 button artist. Kao Lee’s journey as an artist is deeply rooted in her Saint Paul upbringing, particularly in the vibrant neighborhood of Frogtown. From her earliest days, the Winter Carnival held a special place in her heart. Even after her family relocated to the suburb of Savage, her family continued to return to the enchanting ice sculptures, captivating parades, and mesmerizing fireworks of the Winter Carnival. These memories have left a magical mark on her.

Kao Lee’s artistic pursuits took an unexpected turn as she followed her passion, veering away from her initial dream of becoming a psychiatrist. Today, she is a partner of Folklore Studio, a 3D animation company that creates animations for television and film. Her artistic journey began when she first picked up a paintbrush, transforming her world forever. Her boundless inspiration flows from dreams and personal experiences, igniting her creative fire. The opportunity to design the 2024 buttons for the Winter Carnival was a personal and professional thrill.

Kao Lee’s artistic contributions extend beyond buttons to encompass stunning public art installations. Her work includes the Springboard for the Arts Fiberglass installation, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s, Parks for All at Boom Island mural, and the mural at Mississippi Creative Arts. She is currently working with the United Family Medicine history wall in Saint Paul and even invited the community to join her in painting during a movie in the park event hosted by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. Kao Lee’s love for Saint Paul is evident all around the community- and now in the 2024 Saint Paul Winter Carnival buttons!

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Thanks to Mancini’s Char House and Union Depot for hosting our 2024 Button Reveal Events on December 2nd, 2023!

Buttons are now on sale on our website!

Purchase your 2024 buttons online or at a participating retail locations.

Purchase Online

Retail Button Locations

Buy your button at Cub Foods and Blaze Credit Union !

To register for the NEW Fun Pass and prizes, go to www.visitsaintpaul.com

Check out our list of small business sellers too!

CandyLand 435 N. Wabasha Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
City & County Credit Union 1661 Cope Ave E, Maplewood, MN 55109
A Johnson & Sons Florist 1738 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
Bright Corner Gift Shop 640 Jackson Street St. Paul, MN 55101
Landmark Center Gift Shop 75 5th St W St Paul, MN 55102
Red Balloon, 891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102
Kowalski’s, 1261 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
Saint Paul Brewing, 688 Minnehaha Ave E., St. Paul MN
Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market Street, St. Paul, MN
Great Wolf Lodge, 1700 American Blvd., Bloomington, MN
Borchert’s Meats, 1344 Frost Ave, Maplewood, MN
West Saint Paul Antiques, 880 Smith Ave S., Saint Paul, MN

* This 2024 Saint Paul Winter Carnival Button no longer qualifies you for the annual Saint Paul Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt. That is a separate Hunt from the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

NEW 2024 Winter Carnival Fun Pass, Presented by Visit Saint Paul & the Downtown Alliance / $100

Visit Saint Paul and Saint Paul Downtown Alliance are launching a free, mobile-exclusive savings pass in partnership with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. The pass will be a key component of Winter Carnival’s popular button program and we’d love for your business to be part of it!

Sign up here to be included in the Winter Carnival Fun Pass promotion – December 2, 2023 through February 29, 2024.

The pass is available with each Winter Carnival button, a favorite collectible for many devoted Carnival fans with 15,000+ buttons produced and distributed annually across the Twin Cities.
Sponsorship includes your business offer promoted to button holders, encouraging thousands of festival visitors to support your business!
100% of your sponsorship goes to the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, proud producers of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, to create entertaining events to bring people to Saint Paul. Thank you for your participation!

Once your sponsorship is submitted, representatives from Bandwango (merchants@bandwango.com) will contact you to set up your offer.