The stage will be set for the St. Paul Winter Carnival on Saturday night in Rice Park when the 2015 Winter Carnival buttons will be unveiled.

A tree lighting and winter skate will start at 5 p.m. in the downtown St. Paul park near the corner of Fifth and Market Streets.

Members of the Winter Carnival royal family, Vulcans, Klondike Kates and other legendary figures will help kick off the grand opening of "the Coolest Celebration on Earth."

Winter Carnival buttons and other festival merchandise will be on sale immediately after the 5:30 p.m button unveiling, which will take place on the skating rink. Buttons will cost $5 for one and $19 for the collector's pack of four distinct designs. After tonight's event, buttons will be on sale at Super America stations Cub Foods, select area retailers, and on the carnival website, www.winter-carnival.com.

The 129th St. Paul Winter Carnival runs from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1. Events will mostly be held in downtown St. Paul in and around Landmark Center and Rice Park, and at the State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave., St Paul. The carnival is managed by the St. Paul Heritage and Festival Foundation. Check back at startribune.com this evening for a look at the 2015 buttons and updates on the grand opening event.

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