St. Paul Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade and Vulcan Overthrow

I have always wanted to ride the famous South Wind bus and today I got my chance! Everyone on the bus was ready to have a good time. The streets, and even the skyways along the route, were packed with people who were excited to see us pass by as we were moving to the music coming from the speakers. Even the riders were dancing which really got the bus jumping… literally.  I had to hold on tight for fear of being bounced right off the bus. During the parade it began to snow which really put me into the Carnival spirit, and by the end I was covered. I think the best part was having twice as much fun in this parade because the bus went through a second time to lead the Vulcans to the overthrow site.

As the legend goes, on the tenth day of the Winter Carnival Vulcanus Rex and his Krew storm the castle and are held off by the King's guards. Upon counsel of the Queen, Boreas bids farewell to the people of his winter capitol and returns to Olympus. After the parade, the Vulcan overthrow is where this part of the story comes to life, and my Princess and I had front row seats from the South Wind bus. The Royal family stood on the steps of the library as the Vulcans were lead through the streets by their supporters. Once the Krew reached the library they charged the Royal family upon command of their leader. They are held off twice by the King’s guards, but on the third charge the Vulcans break through and the Royal family retreats into the library. Vulcanus Rex once again claims victory with the promise of warmer weather to come. I had never seen this tradition until this night, and it was by far the coolest part of Carnival!!

 Kassi Giles

Miss Inver Grove Heights 2013