Sal & Francesca LoBaido Award

Recognizing Long-Standing Commitments

The Sal & Francesca (Corky) LoBaido Volunteer Service Award is presented to individuals and businesses who have shown a long-term commitment and dedication to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. The Star of Boreas Foundation, in partnership with the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, have been recognizing individuals and businesses/organizations with the LoBaido awards since 1987.

The Star of Boreas Foundation and the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation have announced the 2026 recipients of the Sal & Francesca “Corky” LoBaido Awards:
• Individual Award: Megan Quiggle
• Individual Award: Shelley Kowalczuk
• Business Partnership Award: White Bear Country Inn & Rudy’s Red Eye Grill

View the videos for the 2025 recipients on our Youtube Channel. 2026 Videos Coming Soon!

Megan Quiggle

Megan Quiggle has been part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival family for more than 30 years, beginning as the 1994 Princess of the West Wind. Her service has included the Queen of Snows and Junior Royalty selection committees, the Past Princess Association, Churchill Club leadership, Legend Character Development and years of mentoring Carnival characters and Royal Families. In 2019, she served as Prime Minister to Boreas Rex LXXXIII, Monte Johnson. Megan’s joyful spirit, leadership and dedication to preserving Carnival traditions have made her a trusted mentor and friend throughout the Winter Carnival community.

Shelley Kowalczuk

Shelley Kowalczuk’s Winter Carnival involvement began in 1997 and has grown into decades of hands-on service. She has served with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Ambassadors, led the Fashion Show and Candidate Dinner committees, supported button sales and served as Royal Coordinator for Boreas Rex LXXIII, Chris Scheeman, and the 2009 Royal Family. Shelley has also contributed for years as a Winter Carnival photographer and as a lead seamstress with the Ambassador wardrobe committee. Her willingness to share her time, talents and creativity exemplifies the volunteer spirit celebrated by the LoBaido Award.

White Bear Country Inn & Rudy’s Red Eye Grill

White Bear Country Inn & Rudy’s Red Eye Grill, under the leadership of owner Bill Foussard, Boreas Rex LXXII, has supported the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and its traditions for generations. The business has hosted Wind Organization events, sponsored Carnival characters and welcomed new Royal Families during the 10-day celebration. Its commitment extends throughout the White Bear Lake community through efforts including Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels, Dinner with Santa, family New Year’s Eve celebrations and support of the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation. White Bear Country Inn & Rudy’s Red Eye Grill was also recognized with Explore Minnesota’s 2024 Tourism Industry Leader Award.

LoBaido Award Winners

Past Winners