Seven women — including a mother and daughter — will compete for Klondike Kate 2018 on Wednesday night.
Klondike Kate is a St. Paul Winter Carnival character known for sassy singing and a feather boa. Kate is based on a character who struck it rich in the Gold Rush of 1898 as the “most famous dance hall girl in the north.” She was added to the Winter Carnival roster in the early 1970s, and a new Kate has been chosen in a contest every year since 1971.
Though there’s a new Klondike Kate each year, past winners continue to perform at the Winter Carnival and at appearances throughout the year.
On Wednesday night, contestants will perform up to three songs in three rounds of competition until a final elimination is made and Klondike Kate 2018 is chosen. This year’s hopefuls include a member of the Minnesota Ladies Arm Wrestling League, a farmer and computer programmer, a writer by day and blackjack dealer at night, and a mother and her daughter (each seeking the “sash.”)
IF YOU GO
- What: Klondike Kate competition (judged on musical performance, song choice, vocal abilities, costuming, crowd appeal and authenticity in portraying the real-life character, Klondike Kate)
- When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday (doors open at 6 p.m.)
- Where: Envision Event Center (formerly Prom Center), 484 Inwood Ave. N., Oakdale
- Tickets: $17 online at klondikekates.org or $20 at the door
- For more information: Klondike Kate hotline: 651-289-KATE or klondikekates.org
- Winter Carnival information: The 132nd celebration of the St. Paul Winter Carnival is Jan. 25-Feb. 10. (Extended a week this year to connect to Super Bowl activities in the Twin Cities.); wintercarnival.com.
Copyright 2018 Pioneer Press.
