Jill Lyn Andresen, a University marketing senior and assistant manager of human resources at The Minnesota Daily, was chosen as the 2005 Queen of the Snows at St. Paul’s annual Winter Carnival.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Andresen said before attending a carnival-related dinner Sunday. “It was something that I didn’t expect, and I’m so excited.”

Andresen, 22, has been attending a flurry of events related to St. Paul’s annual winter frolic.

She said she had 15 events Saturday, including the grand parade, visiting with dignitaries and Campbell’s Kids’ Day at the King’s Castle, among others.

Many of the events have a charity or goodwill theme. Andresen said the royal court visits schools, nursing homes and assisted-living centers.

“We’re basically bringing carnival to people who can’t come down and see it,” she said.

The St. Paul Winter Carnival began in 1886 in response to a New York reporter’s suggestion that St. Paul was “another Siberia.”

The carnival is filled with a colorful cast of characters from King Boreas and his Royal Guard to Vulcanus Rex, the king’s nemesis, with his Vulcan Krewe.

Andresen said she has been involved with the carnival for several years. She said she has helped with the snow slide

and promoted last year’s ice palace.

“There’s so much tradition and history behind it,” she said. “The legend is just so cool, and I really have a great royal family this year.”

Andresen was Miss Clara City, Minn. – her hometown – in 2001.

She said her crowning at home led her to join the Minnesota Association of Past Community Ambassadors, a volunteering organization.

The carnival ends this weekend at the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, Fireworks and Dance.