Bill Burg has a warm spot for the Coolest Celebration on Earth

Lifelong friendships and socializing with the office staff are just the tip of the iceberg when Bill Burg (pictured in white cowboy hat) talks about his favorite parts of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, which celebrates its 139th year running January 23 to February 2, 2025.

In 1992, Bill was named Prince Zephyrus, and given custody of the West Wind, one of the four directional winds as assigned by Boreas, the King of the Winds, according to the Legend of the St. Paul Winter Carnival. In fact, Bill was recruited to participate by Roger Bonfe who himself served as Prince Zephyrus in 1986.

Over the years, Bill has served many volunteer roles in the Winter Carnival, also known as the coolest celebration on Earth, including Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Queen of Snows candidate sponsor, Trail Boss (the alumni group), and as a costumed character.

“The Winter Carnival is a community of people who have been celebrating and embracing the cold since 1886,” said Bill Burg, an agent with Edina Realty in Highland Park, who will participate in this year’s Winter Carnival parade on the West Wind float. “Seeing the kids’ smiles and their faces light up during the Grande Day Parade is definitely a highlight.”

SPAAR is a major sponsor of the 2025 Grande Day Parade taking place on Saturday, January 25, starting at 2pm along Grand Avenue.

SPAAR members and their families and friends are welcome to participate and walk in the parade as a unit. Interested in participating? Email your name to spaar@spaar.com and a SPAAR staff member will follow up with more information.