Emily Jensen Crowned 2026 Watertown Area Snow Queen at Enchanted Forest Festival
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 24
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The 2026 Watertown Area Snow Queen Festival culminated Sunday evening with a grand coronation at the Goss Opera House, where high school senior Emily Jensen was crowned the new Senior Snow Queen. The festival, which featured the theme “Enchanted Forest,” celebrated the community involvement and leadership potential of young women across the Watertown area.
Senior Division and Royal Court
Emily Jensen (Castlewood High School) was awarded the prestigious title of 2026 Watertown Area Senior Snow Queen and was also voted Senior Miss Congeniality by her peers, recognizing her outstanding spirit and kindness.
The Senior Court members are:
· First Runner-up: Aralyn Jurrens
· Second Runner-up: Jada Cameron
Jurrens, a senior at Watertown High School, was a contestant sponsored by Northeast Radio SD and plans to attend Lake Area Technical College for nursing.
Junior and Princess Winners
The Junior and Princess divisions recognized other future community leaders:
· 2026 Junior Snow Queen: Lily Lamb
o First Runner-up: Logan Schell
o Second Runner-up: Paige Huyvaert
o Huyvaert was also named Junior Miss Congeniality.
· 2026 Snow Princess: Mya Schwinger
o First Runner-up: Lucy Lam
o Second Runner-up: Leni Mack
o Mack also received the Snow Princess Miss Congeniality award.
The youngest royalty, chosen by drawing, are Huxley Bernard (Prince) and Leighton Hall (Princess).
Emphasis on Community and Scholarships
The Snow Queen program is deeply rooted in service and education. The titleholders will spend a year representing the Watertown area at various local events.
Winners are awarded scholarship funds to support their future endeavors: Jensen receives $1,000, Lamb $500, and Schwinger $100. The festival committee extended gratitude to community sponsors, including the Community Foundation (Women in Giving), Kiwanis, and the Watertown Rotary Club, whose support makes the scholarships possible.
A Shining Legacy
The ceremony included a heartfelt farewell to the 2025 Royal Court, including the outgoing Junior Watertown Area Snow Queen Emmah Scott…
South Dakota State Snow Queen, Katie Leadabrand, who reminded the new court that "Once you're a queen, you're always a queen. It's a family..."
The festival's success continues a strong tradition, coming on the heels of Leadabrand capturing the State Snow Queen title—the first Watertown winner since 1993.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055266446528 (Watertown Area Snow Queen Facebook Page)
The 2026 State Snow Queen Festival is scheduled for January 10, 2026, in Aberdeen.
