It's going to be a buzzing March in St. Paul

As the first puck was being dropped this week at the Xcel Energy Center for the girls state hockey tournament, the folks of Visit Saint Paul, flanked by wrestlers, entertainers, roller derby girls and astronauts, announced the launch of 31 Days of Giveaways!

It's a promotion to highlight a busy month in the Saintly City.

"March is so big in St. Paul that the festivities start in February," said Mayor Chris Coleman. "It's one of our busiest months of the year and a great opportunity to showcase all the fun and unique events that make St. Paul so special, from Wild hockey to a wedding fair."

Beginning with the girls' hockey tournament, the city will host dozens of games, events, concerts, the city's St. Patrick's Day parade and Space: And Out-of-Gravity Experience at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

To entice even more interest, Visit Saint Paul is offering a long list of prizes, from Wild game tickets to concert passes, restaurant gift cards and free hotel and bed and breakfast stays.

Terry Mattson, president and CEO of Visit Saint Paul -- who actually introduced the mayor by wearing a hand puppet "Mr. Happy" -- said an estimated 1 million visitors could descend on the city over the next six weeks.

"We can't wait to welcome these visitors to St. Paul," he said. "It's an incredible month. We plan on making it even better by giving away all kinds of awesome St. Paul swag."