Q&A on the change in location for the Grande Day Parade:

Q. Why did you make the change? A. We have seen fewer and fewer parade viewers for Grande Day over the past couple of years, even when it was so warm in 2024. To keep the tradition of having the Grande Day Parade alive, when we were approached with the idea, we looked long and hard at the pros and cons. We are hopeful that more people will attend to watch the parade on Grand Avenue and we will be able to support local bars and restaurants that become “Official Warming Houses” of the Winter Carnival. As a nonprofit organization (SPFHF) that puts on the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, costs also matter. On Grand Avenue, we will be able to save money on police, parking meters (there are none on Grand Avenue), jersey barriers, porta-potties and street permits.

Q. The Parades have always been on West 7th. How could you move it? A. Over the years, our parades have moved around to various routes for various reasons. The Torchlight Parade, which recently ran from Lowertown up to Rice Park and didn’t come down West 7th will remain on West 7th, as it has been the past two years. We anticipate huge crowds on Torchlight Night, supporting those local restaurants and bars, especially those that become “Official Warming Houses” of the Winter Carnival as well.

We understand that change is hard for many, but we truly hope that you know the leaders make changes to keep the Winter Carnival going, to increase the number of people participating and to help local businesses and organizations.

• Warm Up In Our OFFICIAL WARMING HOUSES- local bars and restaurants that financially support the Saint Paul Winter Carnival through the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation…please visit them often!

We will announce the Grand Marshals for the 2025 King Boreas Grande Day Parade soon!