Watertown Snow Queen Festival Announces 2027 Candidates for 40th Anniversary Celebration
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Candidates have been announced for the 2027 Watertown Area Snow Queen Festival, which will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Watertown Snow Queen program on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, at the Codington County Extension Complex.
Doors at the Codington County Extension Complex will open at 5:15 p.m., with the coronation program beginning at 6 p.m. The annual event will crown a new Senior Snow Queen, Junior Snow Queen, Snow Princess, and first-grade Princess and Prince, in addition to presenting a Miss Congeniality award in each division.
Organizers invited the community to attend the milestone celebration, stating, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are thrilled to announce our 2027 Senior Snow Queen candidates! Join us in cheering for your favorite contestant as they dazzle on stage. Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Watertown Snow Queen on Sunday, November 15th, 2026, at the Codington County Extension Complex.”
2027 Senior Snow Queen Candidates
Six candidates are competing for the 2027 Senior Snow Queen title, which is open to high school seniors:
· Shauna Evenson
· Shaydin Reuer
· Annie Stricherz
· Cydni Kudrna
· Ashlyn Angermeier
· Gracie Ries
2027 Junior Snow Queen Candidates
Five candidates are vying for the 2027 Junior Snow Queen title, which recognizes high school freshmen:
· Saralayna Johnson
· Kinleigh Boydston
· Emma Alexander
· Sirena Brandlee
· Camria Cameron
2027 Snow Princess Candidates
Six candidates have been named for the 2027 Snow Princess division:
· Brynn Cotten
· Everlie Olson
· Ellesyn Fischbach
· Haddie Owens
· McKenna Asmussen
· Greta Schauland
Program Context: Scholarships, Skill Building, and Community Service
As background context from prior Northeast Radio SD coverage of the Watertown Area Snow Queen Festival, the program serves as both a local coronation tradition and an educational scholarship competition that honors character, personality, and leadership qualities in young women. Winners go on to represent the Watertown area at the annual South Dakota Snow Queen Festival in Aberdeen. In recent program history, Watertown winner Katie Ledabrand captured the state title, becoming the first Watertown contestant to win the state crown since 1993.
In previous interviews with Northeast Radio SD, festival coordinator Jennifer Harms highlighted that the program is designed to build confidence, interview skills, and lasting friendships among contestants. Ahead of the evening stage program, participants historically complete a full day of preparation and skill-building activities, including interview coaching, stage practice, a self-defense class, and a craft activity.
According to prior program records, scholarship awards have traditionally included:
· Seniors: $1,000
· Juniors: $500
· Sixth Grade: $100
Throughout their year-long reign, titleholders serve as community ambassadors and role models at local events, including activities with the Boys and Girls Club, Zoo Boo, and Chamber events such as Little Mr. and Miss Shamrock. During the festival, a 50/50 drawing also raises funds for the contestants to donate to local community projects, supported by local civic and philanthropic partners that have previously included the Watertown Area Community Foundation (Women in Giving), Kiwanis, and the Watertown Rotary Club.
For more background on the festival, listen to the Northeast Radio SD podcast interview with festival director Jennifer Harms at https://northeastradiosd.podbean.com/e/northeast-radio-sd-podcast-confidence-community-and-crowns-with-watertown-area-snow-queen-director-jen-harms/ or visit the Watertown Area Snow Queen Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055266446528.
