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St. Paul, Minn.

January 27, 2012 5:03 PM

Photos: St. Paul Winter Carnival

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Winter Carnival ice sculptures — John Cooper uses a chainsaw to begin carving a totem pole from ice Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 at Rice Park in downtown St. Paul, Minn. Cooper, who learned to carve ice designs in culinary school, is working with three friends to create a multi-block sculpture comprised of five different ice totem poles. Their sculptures, and others, are on display at the park as part of the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson

The St. Paul Winter Carnival is the nation's largest and oldest winter festival. This year's festival continues the tradition, unseasonably warm weather has forced the cancellation of several events.

Traditional to the festival is the the ice carving contest, which will still go on in downtown St. Paul.

The Winter Carnival runs through Feb. 5.

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