St. Paul Winter Carnival Seeks Canine King and Queen, Nominations Open

St. Paul pet owners have a chance to put their pups in the spotlight: nominations for the Winter Carnival Canine King and Queen are open now and close January 11. After nominations close, the public will vote January 12 through January 25 to choose the winners, who will be formally crowned at Doggie Depot on Sunday, February 1 at Union Depot in St. Paul.

Doggie Depot runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is free to attend. The event brings together a range of dog-centered activities, with Doga highlighted as a featured attraction. Doga blends yoga and bonding time with your dog, offering a gentle, accessible way to stretch, relax, and socialize together. The marketplace will host local dog vendors, and rescue organizations will bring meet-and-greets with adoptable pups, creating direct opportunities for adoption and community connection.

Practical details matter: Doggie Depot is family-friendly and open to all, but organizers require that dogs be leashed for the safety and comfort of all participants. Arrive early for the best access to demonstrations, vendor booths, and rescue tables. Bring a leash, water, waste bags, and a mat if you plan to participate in Doga. Expect a steady flow of visitors during the midday hours; the crowning ceremony is a highlight, so plan to stay through the afternoon if you want to see the King and Queen announced.

The contest and event aim to showcase local dogs and support the area's pet community. The marketplace provides exposure for small businesses that serve pet owners, while the presence of rescue groups focuses attention on adoption and animal welfare. Voting gives the broader community a role in naming the canine royalty, turning the contest into an interactive part of the Winter Carnival calendar.

Make sure nominations are submitted by January 11 and set a reminder to vote between January 12 and 25. Doggie Depot will take place February 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Union Depot in St. Paul. Whether you plan to nominate, vote, adopt, or just enjoy Doga, the event offers accessible, dog-centered programming that brings owners and their pets together.