Snow Queen Candidates Announced for 2026 Watertown Area “Enchanted Forest” Theme Festival

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The candidates for the 2026 Snow Queen Festival have been officially announced, kicking off a cherished local tradition that celebrates and develops young future community leaders. The festival, which culminates in a grand coronation, is also a significant scholarship competition.

In a recent interview, festival coordinator Jennifer Harms provided a detailed look at the program, emphasizing its mission to foster confidence, interview skills, and lasting friendships among local young women.

The contestants participate in a full-day schedule designed to ease nerves and build skills, including a self-defense class, interview coaching, a craft activity, and stage practice.

Harms also confirmed that the 2026 Snow Queen Festival will feature an “Enchanted Forest” theme.

The festival will take place on Sunday, November 23rd, at the Goss Opera House.

·         Doors Open: 5:30 PM

·         Event Starts: 6:00 PM

·         Tickets: Sold at the door

The program recognizes young women across several age categories: Seniors (Snow Queen), Juniors (Freshmen), Snow Princesses (6th Grade), and also includes a 1st-grade Prince and Princess drawing.

A recent historical achievement adds excitement to this year's event: Watertown's recent winner, Katie Leadabrand, went on to capture the State title—the first time a Watertown contestant has won since 1993.

Scholarship and Community Impact

The Snow Queen program is deeply rooted in community service and educational support.

The titleholders make a year-long commitment to serve as role models, participating in numerous local events, including activities with the Boys and Girls Club, Zoo Boo, and Chamber events such as Little Mr. Miss Shamrock.

Winners are awarded scholarship funds to support their future endeavors:

·         Seniors: $1,000

·         Juniors: $500

·         6th Grade: $100

A 50/50 drawing held during the event raises money for the girls to donate to local projects. Harms gave a special thank you to generous community sponsors, including the Community Foundation (Women in Giving), Kiwanis, and the Watertown Rotary Club, for their support.

The candidates vying for the prestigious 2026 Snow Queen title (high school seniors) are:

·         Aralyn Jurrens

·         Addison Walkins

·         Sadie Johnson

·         Emily Jensen

·         Jada Cameron

Junior Snow Queen Candidates

The young women competing for the title of 2026 Junior Snow Queen (high school freshmen) are:

·         Lily Lamb

·         Paige Huyvaert

·         Mollie Raasch

·         Brooklyn Varilek

·         Logan Schell

·         Kamelia Mjoun

·         Ava Herrboldt

Snow Princess Candidates

The festival also features a slate of candidates for the 2026 Snow Princess title (sixth-grade students):

·         Aria Bartels

·         Lucy Lamb

·         Maddie Halverson

·         Acelynn Cease

·         Kaitlyn Stimson

·         Rorri Edwards

·         Izzy Rieffenberger

·         Lily Simon

·         Harper Larson

·         Jaci Alexander

·         Genesis Anderson

·         Hannah Kleindl

·         Harper Lau

·         Leni Mack

·         Aspen Manley

·         Addalyn Boydston

·         Mya Schwinger

The Snow Queen Festival is recognized as a scholarship program that honors character, personality, and leadership qualities in young women, with winners often going on to represent the Watertown area at the annual South Dakota Snow Queen Festival in Aberdeen.

Podcast episode - https://northeastradiosd.podbean.com/e/northeast-radio-sd-podcast-confidence-community-and-crowns-with-watertown-area-snow-queen-director-jen-harms/

Snow Queen Facebook Page link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055266446528