The annual St. Paul Winter Carnival is inviting dog owners to nominate their pets for the prestigious titles of Canine King Boreas and Queen of the Snows. The nomination process opened on January 11, 2026, and will remain open until January 11. This contest celebrates beloved pets, culminating in an exciting event at the Doggie Depot, set to take place on February 1, 2026.
During the contest, nominated dogs will compete for votes in an online poll starting January 12, with voting concluding on January 25. The winners will be announced on Union Depot’s social media channels on January 27. The crowned king and queen will participate in the Doggie Depot event, which will include a crowning ceremony alongside the St. Paul Winter Carnival royal family.
While the canine royalty will not participate in the King Boreas Grande Day Parade on January 24 due to scheduling conflicts, they will still be a significant part of the Winter Carnival festivities. Amy Struve, marketing manager of Union Depot, stated, “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.”
Union Depot is set to celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2026, promising a variety of events and activities throughout the year. As for the canine contest, Struve noted, “You’ll have to come to Doggie Depot to see the king and queen.” She added that there may be opportunities for future parades, indicating a willingness to reassess the involvement of the canine royals in upcoming events.
To enter, dog owners can submit photos and information about their pets for free via the Union Depot website at uniondepot.org/doggiedepot. All nominated dogs will be featured on the site for the public to vote on their favorites. The Doggie Depot event is scheduled for February 1 from 10:00 to 15:00, with an early session of dog yoga starting at 9:00. Located at 214 Fourth St. East in downtown St. Paul, the event promises to be dog-friendly, featuring local vendors, adoptable pups, and other activities.
Last year’s canine royalty included Kairi, an American Pit Bull Terrier who actively supports Save-A-Bull Rescue, and Grover, a Goldendoodle known for his successful social media campaign. The pair engaged the public with creative initiatives, including Kairi’s innovative use of a QR code during her voting campaign.
The St. Paul Winter Carnival will run from January 22 to February 1, 2026. The Doggie Depot event is a highlight for pet lovers, offering a festive atmosphere where dogs can shine and engage with their community. As the excitement builds, dog owners are encouraged to submit nominations to give their pets a chance at canine royalty.
