During the mid 1960's, G. Earl Stevenson, a Pottsville City Councilman and Director of Parks and Public Property, went to St. Paul, Minnesota on business. While he was in St. Paul, he attended the St. Paul Winter Carnival. At that time, the St. Paul Winter Carnival was in existence for over 100 years. There, the Winter Carnival was held every year at the end of January and continued through the beginning of February hosting over 100 events for all to enjoy and participate. St. Paul Winter Carnival had a paid staff including a Public Relations Department, advertising and marketing Department, as well as numerous sales representatives. Mr. Stevenson was so intrigued by this undertaking in St. Paul that when he returned to Pottsville he presented the idea to the Pottsville Recreation Commission.

With his enthusiasm, he sparked an interest among other active citizens such as John D.W Reiley, Marie Murphy, Cye Wachter, William Dirnmerling and Robert Davis This core committee with their dedication and hard work built the foundation for what we know today as the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival.

The schedule of events for the 2009 Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival includes:

-Jan. 7: Princess meeting, 7 p.m., Terence P. Reiley Community Center

-Saturday: Senior Princess Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville; Snowflake Princess Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Schuylkill Mall, Frackville; senior princess and snowflake princess candidates sell winter carnival buttons in Pottsville, 1 to 2 p.m.; Snowdrop Princess Saturday Fashion Show, 4 p.m., Boscov’s Auditorium, Fairlane Village mall

-Sunday: Snowflake Fashion Show, 7 p.m., Pine View Acres, Pottsville

-Jan. 14: Snowflake Costume Fashion Show, 6 p.m., Boscov’s Auditorium, Fairlane Village mall

-Jan. 17: Mid-Winter Festival, 8 p.m., Avenues/Agricultural Park, 2 Park St., Pottsville -Jan. 18: Senior Princess Fashion Show, 7:30 p.m., Pottsville Club -Jan. 23: Yuengling Night, 9 p.m. Humane Fire Company, Pottsville

-Jan. 24: Snowdrop & Snowflake Coronation, 7 p.m., Pottsville Area High School Auditorium; Snowdrop & Snowflake Party-After-Pageant, Pottsville Club

-Jan. 31: Senior Princess Coronation Pageant, 7:30 p.m. Pottsville Area High School Auditorium; Queen’s Ball, 10 p.m. Pottsville Club Tickets for all events may be purchased at Murphy Jewelers and 12 Volt Dave’s Audio, Pottsville, or at the door

Some Winter Carnival Facts

GPWC began in 1968.

The first queen pageant was held in the Henry Clay Room at the Necho Allen in Pottsville. 600 attended. And the first queen chosen was Louise Dudick Wachter.

1968, William Landy was chosen "King" by the Board of Directors of the Carnival Association. The main function of the King was to raise funds for the parade.

In 1968, the first parade was held and was based on the Rose Parade of Pasadena, CA. It was the largest parade Schuylkill County had ever seen to date. 25 bands, 25 elaborate floats and 25 princesses. Nearly 70,000 attended.

1968, Pottsville Winter Carnival was held for one week in January. Events for the week included: 1. fireworks 2. ski jumping competitions for adults 3. down hill skiing for school students 4. torch light ski parade 5. ice sculptures in Garfield Square 6. house decorating contests 7. dog sled racing - professional dog sled club from Lebanon came to Branchdale to perform

1969, William Dimmerling was chosen "king" and in 1970, G. Earl Stevenson was selected as "King".

In 1969, the queen pageant was held in the Pottsville Area High School Auditorium because it was too large to be held in the Necho Allen.

1970, queen contestants were only allowed to participate in the pageant if they were single.

1969/1970, first group of Vulcans were formed and they were only allowed to be men.

1970, name changed to the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival Association.

1970, snowflake pageant began and was held in the Nativity BVM High School. 1971, the first Distinguished Citizen's Award was given. The Distinguished Citizen Award is given to an individual or group who gives of themselves generously and graciously to their community without any monetary reward 1971. a woman was allowed to be a vulcanette. 1975/1976, ski lodge closed. As a result, many of the snow activities were no longer able to take place.