Winter Carnival magic started with the Medallion Hunt for Mike Olsen

The Medallion Hunt was the introduction of the annual Minnesota Winter Carnival to SPAAR member Mike Olsen during his teenage years. Then, in 1991, he was invited to apply for the Vulcan Krewe by Don Newpower, who at the time was a manager with Edina Realty and later cofounder of Real Estate Masters who himself was involved in the Winter Carnival as the Count of Ashes on the 1985 Vulcan Crew. Mike became the youngest of the Vulcan Krewe and was named Count Embrious, the King’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, which was among the closest advisors of King Vulcanus, one of the two kings of the Winter Carnival legend.

Over the years, Mike has continued to his involvement in the Winter Carnival in many ways including hosting and sponsoring events such as the Snow Park and the Victory Dance.

“The Winter Carnival is St. Paul's way of saying let's celebrate winter. It is such a special experience no matter the weather,” said Mike, the broker and an agent with the Olsen Group of Keller Williams Premier Realty and co-owner of a firetruck. “My favorite part of Winter Carnival is being on the firetruck during the torchlight parade with my grandkids. There is truly nothing more magical.”

According to the Order of the Royal Guard Saint Paul Winter Carnival Minnesota history, local business leaders in the 1880s, among them James J. Hill, were unfazed by the Minnesota cold and wanted to show the world that residents in Minnesota not only survive, but thrive, in the winter months, resulting in the first St. Paul Winter Carnival in 1886, which makes the St. Paul Winter Carnival the largest and oldest winter festival in the nation.

Mike’s involvement continues with the 2025 Winter Carnival as he’ll serve as co-host of SPAAR’s pre-party for the King Boreas Grande Day Parade on Saturday, January 25, at the Red Rabbit from 12-2pm. From there, he’ll participate in the parade to celebrate his Realtor® pride. Join Mike and other SPAAR members, their families and friends as part of this year’s parade by emailing spaar@spaar.com.

Mike sums it up best, “It should be a magical day and it’s always a good time.”