The sexy and sassy six have been chosen. Now all that's left for these full-figured and full-throated women is to regale judges Wednesday night and be crowned the Winter Carnival's next Klondike Kate.
Klondike Kate hopefuls will be judged before an audience at the Prom Center in Oakdale on musical performance, song choice, vocal abilities, and authenticity in portraying the real-life stout and saucy character who, according to carnival organizers, "so charmed the legions of miners [in the Gold Rush of 1898] that they showered her with gold dust and nuggets."
The Klondike Kate "klon-testants" are: Amy Hopkins, of Baldwin, Wis.; Kathy Rustin-Westphal, of St. Paul Park; Kristen Coulthard, of South St. Paul; Michelle Frid, of Vadnais Heights; Shelley Brown, of Inver Grove Heights; and Theresa McCannon, of St. Paul. Frid and Coulthard are first-time finalists. The others have all been there, competed for that.
Anita Mack, of St. Paul, is the reigning Klondike Kate.
The Winter Carnival, which this year runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, is in its 128th year. The first contest to name its mistress of fun, frivolity and fellowship was held in 1971. Since then, a Royal Order of Klondike Kates has been formed to make appearances that now total more than 100 per year.
For more information, visit klondikekates.org and www.winter-carnival.com.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
