Urgent: Nominate Your Dog for St. Paul Winter Carnival Royalty!
URGENT UPDATE: The nomination process for the 2026 St. Paul Winter Carnival Canine King Boreas and Queen of the Snows has officially opened! Pet owners can submit their beloved dogs for this royal contest through January 11, 2026.
If your dog is sociable, enjoys being around other dogs, and doesn’t mind dressing up, they could be crowned the next canine royalty. This year’s winners will be revealed following an online voting period from January 12 to January 25, 2026.
The excitement peaks at the Doggie Depot event on February 1, 2026, at Union Depot in downtown St. Paul. The crowned dogs will receive their titles during a grand ceremony that will also feature local vendors and rescue organizations showcasing adoptable pups.
Unlike past years, the canine royals will not participate in the King Boreas Grande Day Parade scheduled for January 24. According to Amy Struve, marketing manager of Union Depot, “A lot goes into planning for the parade, and we weren’t able to make it work this year due to our upcoming Centennial celebrations.”
This year marks a significant milestone, as Union Depot will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2026. While the dogs won’t strut their stuff in the parade, Struve hints that they may return in future years. “We’re happy to take a step back and reassess next year,” she stated.
To participate in this royal contest, pet owners can submit photos and details about their dogs at uniondepot.org/doggiedepot. All nominated dogs will be listed for public voting on the Union Depot’s website starting January 12. Winners will be announced via social media on January 27, 2026.
The 2026 Winter Carnival runs from January 22 to February 1, culminating in the Doggie Depot event, which is free to attend. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a special dog yoga session at 9 a.m.
Join the fun and make your dog’s royal dreams come true this winter! Don’t miss out on the chance to see the crowned canines at the Doggie Depot event, located at 214 Fourth St. East, St. Paul.
As the excitement builds, make sure to spread the word and get your nominations in before the deadline!
