The Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation (SPFHF) is honored to announce Dungarvin as the presenting sponsor of the next Coolest Celebration on Earth™. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival presented by Dungarvin will be held Thursday, Jan. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Both organizations are celebrating major milestones: Dungarvin is commemorating its 50th year in service to the community, while the Saint Paul Winter Carnival marks its 140th anniversary.
“The Winter Carnival and Dungarvin have much in common to celebrate,” said Tim Madden, Dungarvin’s Chairman. “Bringing people together to enjoy our uniqueness in the spirit of fantasy and legend adds value to all our lives.”
Dungarvin is a family-owned human services organization that provides personalized, community-based supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Founded in Saint Paul in 1976 by Tim and Diane Madden, Dungarvin partners with state agencies and local communities across the country to deliver services that help individuals live their best lives.
After gaining life-changing experience as Direct Support Professionals, Tim and Diane Madden recognized Minnesota’s urgent need for new services that integrate people with disabilities into their communities. The Maddens became part of a transformative movement in Minnesota – and across the United States — to transition people with disabilities from clinical institutions to community living. Over the decades, Dungarvin has earned a strong reputation for innovation and excellence in services.
Today, Dungarvin employs approximately 6,000 team members who provide support to nearly 16,000 individuals across 15 states.
“As we celebrate the 140th Anniversary of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the importance of our Presenting Sponsor cannot be overstated,” said Lisa Jacobson, Executive Director of Community Partnerships for the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation. “The Maddens exemplify true community stewardship. Their long-standing commitment to Saint Paul and belief in this iconic winter tradition make this milestone year possible in a year when they celebrate their own meaningful anniversary of service.”
Throughout the 2026 Saint Paul Winter Carnival, individuals supported by Dungarvin along with longtime staff and recent award winners will be acknowledged in special ways:
- Knighthood Ceremony: Ten people will be knighted by King Boreas and the Queen of the Snows during the Kickoff to Carnival event in Rice Park on Thursday, Jan. 22 beginning at 6 p.m.
- “Let’s Play Hockey” at the Wild Game: Someone served by Dungarvin will be honored as the “Let’s Play Hockey” announcer prior to Minnesota Wild game at Grand Casino Arena on Thursday, Jan. 22.
- Grande Day Parade Recognition: More than 30 individuals will serve as honorary Business Grand Marshals of the King Boreas Grande Day Parade on Saturday, Jan. 24 starting at 2 p.m. along Grand Avenue.
- Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade Participation: On Saturday, Jan. 31, several individuals supported by Dungarvin along with Dungarvin employees will ride on a trolley during the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade which begins at 5:30 p.m. along West 7th Street and culminates in Rice Park.
About the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation (SPFHF) is a nonprofit membership organization that produces the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the oldest winter festival in the United States. Founded in 1886, the Winter Carnival is supported by sponsors, fundraising events, donations, charitable gaming, and foundation members. Learn more about the Winter Carnival Legend, history, and the 2026 schedule of events at wintercarnival.com.
About Dungarvin
Dungarvin is a family-owned organization that provides services and personalized community-based supports for children and adults with disabilities. Founded in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1976, the Dungarvin mission influences its approach to its commitment to person-centered care: “Respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports.” Dungarvin believes each person has their own set of aspirations, goals, strengths, and dreams. Over the past 50 years, Dungarvin has grown to provide supports to over 16,000 individuals across 15 states. Dungarvin’s long and stable history demonstrates its unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and integrity. If you would like to learn more about the organization, please visit us at dungarvin.com.