The 13 candidates for the title of 2010 Queen of the Snows include a figure-skating coach, a broomball league player, Polar Bear Plunge participant, a snow fort builder and several hot chocolate aficionados. One of them will be crowned queen of the St. Paul Winter Carnival on Jan. 21, and four others will be named princesses. Let us introduce you with a quick bio of the participants and one fun fact:
KARLEE CALLENDER, 21, BURNSVILLE, SPONSORED BY RE/MAX SPECIALISTS
Quick bio: College student, floor model at Abercrombie, nanny, active in her church, musical-theater performer, Northern Elite All Stars cheerleader
Winter hobby: “We have a huge hill on the side of our house that we go sledding on; yes, I’m in college and I still go sledding. We have huge mounds at the end to make the snow tubes we’re riding on fly in the air. We like to see who can go the farthest.”
MICHELLE CONNOLLY, 36, ST. PAUL, SPONSORED BY DAKOTA PREMIUM FOODS AND FRANK CAULFIELD
Quick bio: Graduate student, Mary Kay business owner, active in her church, mom of three (8, 6 and 2), volunteer at her kids’ schools
What do you and your kids like to do in the winter? “We are an outdoor family. It’s very common to find us outside on winter walks, on the biggest icicle hunt and snow fort building.”
STACY ECKMAN, 23, MINNEAPOLIS, SPONSORED BY DUNGARVIN/K. DAUGHERTY
Quick bio: College student, hotel staffer, Polar Bear Plunge participant, 2004 Miss Blaine Ambassador
What kind of winter boots do you wear? “I don’t wear winter boots. I wear regular shoes.”
KATIE KLINGELHOETS, 22, BUFFALO, SPONSORED BY DANIELSON INC.
Quick bio: College student, data-processing representative, 2004-05 Miss Montrose, snowboarder, violinist, competed in the World Figures Skating Competition, figure-skating coach
What are the ages of your figure-skating students? “My youngest skater was 4, my oldest was 62.”
KORBIN KVAAS, 21, CHAMPLIN, SPONSORED BY K-BID ESTATE SALES
Quick bio: Educational-support professional at an elementary school, 2006 Miss Maple Grove, volunteer with the Maple Grove Ambassador program
Favorite winter pastime: “I’ve started to go ice fishing. My boyfriend drags me along, but it’s more fun than I thought it would be. I like to just sit in the house. He gets me all hooked up, and I get the credit for catching the big fish!”
RUBY LANOUX, 28, OAKDALE, SPONSORED BY JOSEPH’S GRILL
Quick bio: Development coordinator, Salvation Army bell ringer, director of the Oakdale Summerfest Royalty Program, 2000 Oakdale Princess, 2001 Miss Oakdale, volunteer dance choreographer
What do you like about winter? “Oddly enough, I like to shovel. I don’t know what it is about it; maybe it’s the sense of accomplishment when the driveway is done.”
MONETTE MOORMAN, 27, SHOREVIEW, SPONSORED BY RICE STREET FESTIVAL
Quick bio: Associate services assistant at Gander Mountain corporate headquarters, 2007-08 Rice Street Princess, scrapbooker, downhill skier
How do you stay warm in the winter? “I have one of those great, furry bomber hats with real fur inside. It’s the warmest hat that I’ve ever owned.”
GENA NORTON, 25, GOLDEN VALLEY, SPONSORED BY MINNESOTA GREEN TEAM
Quick bio: Construction sales, Whiz Bang Days vice president, active with Minnesota Delta Epsilon Chi, school-based mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Miss Robbinsdale 2006-07, broomball player (defense) in two leagues, godmother
What do you like about broomball? “I like to slide across the ice with my pads on. It’s fun.”
GRETCHEN SPIER, 33, SOUTH ST. PAUL, SPONSORED BY THE MINNESOTA MUSIC CAFE
Quick bio: Social worker, marathon runner (completed 13 marathons, including the Boston Marathon), owner of a black Labrador named Izzy
What beverage gets you through the winter? “I have a homemade recipe for hot chocolate — cocoa, a little powdered sugar, whole milk, lots of melted marshmallows to make it all ooey-gooey.”
SARA STEIGAUF, 23, WOODBURY, SPONSORED BY GREAT WATERS BREWING CO.
Quick bio: College graduate, server at Buffalo Wild Wings, Sunday school and confirmation teacher, volunteer with the Woodbury Ambassador Program
(Steigauf was on a European vacation at press time and unavailable for an interview.)
NICOLE TURNER, 26, WOODBURY, SPONSORED BY JOHNSTONE SUPPLY
Quick bio: Cocktail server, college graduate, runner, loves to dance, cousin was a Vulcan
How have you been dealing with the cold? “I have this hot-pink Nike ski jacket that’s warmer than anything else I’ve ever owned. You can’t miss me in it, and I wear it absolutely everywhere.”
KELLY WESTLUND, 21, ROSEVILLE, SPONSORED BY WHITE BEAR COUNTRY INN/RUDY’S REDEYE GRILL
Quick bio: College student, sales associate, Girl Scout award winner, former dance team member
Snowflake hunter: “I sit in my car as I wait for it to warm up, and when it snows, I like to watch the snowflakes fall on the windshield. I’m determined to find matching ones.”
ABIGAIL WILL, 22, NEW BRIGHTON, SPONSORED BY HEALTH AND REHABILITATION OF NEW BRIGHTON
Quick bio: College student, nursing assistant, past Meals on Wheels volunteer, Minnesota Twins fan, sister of the 2007 North Wind Princess
Favorite winter activity: “Wintertime brings out the little kid in me. I like to go sledding on a couple of hills near my house.” Molly Guthrey Millett can be reached at 651-228-5505.
Copyright 2010 Pioneer Press.
