As a child living in Saint Paul's Frogtown neighborhood, Kao Lee Thao looked at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival as a thrilling series of events filled with colorful images and stories.

As a professional artist, Thao has worked to channel that childhood wonder into the design of the 2024 Winter Carnival buttons.

"The Winter Carnival is a fond memory from my childhood and designing the buttons resurrected the whimsical wonder from those youthful days," Thao said. "The design was a chance to infuse the carnival with the threads of my cultural identity and the magic of shared traditions."

The new production of the classic musical is taking flight at the Ordway Center in Saint Paul this holiday season, explains Raye Zaragoza, the actress portraying Tiger Lily.

The shelter, which has been providing various services for those experiencing homelessness and poverty since 1983, opened its new location Thursday.

Listening House has been a day shelter for people experiencing poverty and homelessness since its first location in 1983. They provide visitors with food, private bathrooms that include showers, storage lockers and act as an address where mail can be received.

The mayor's office pitches the project as the revitalization of a statewide asset that hosts more than pro hockey.

Deputy Mayor Jaime Tincher and Saint Paul Planning Director Nicolle Goodman recently sat down with the Pioneer Press for an update on where things stand. Also in attendance were Saint Paul Financial Services Director John McCarthy and Melanie McMahon, the mayor’s executive project lead for redevelopment. 

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, a mobile food bank that travels by rail through Canada and the northern and central U.S. every year, will visit downtown Saint Paul’s historic Union Depot on Sunday.

The free event will start at 5 p.m. inside Union Depot where there will be games and crafts for families, model trains on display, and concessions such as hot chocolate.

The European Christmas Market, a separate event at the Union Depot, also will be open late Sunday to coincide with the train’s arrival. The train is expected to pull in at 6:45 p.m. and will feature a concert by musicians Tenille Townes and Breland starting at 7 p.m.