Olivia Wendland Competing at State Snow Queen This Weekend

Olivia Wendland arrived in Aberdeen today, Thursday, January 9, to begin vying for the title of 2024 South Dakota Snow Queen. Coronation starts Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Aberdeen Civic Theatre. Tickets are available at the door for $15 for adults and $10 for K-12.

Olivia was selected as Miss Milbank from a field of 17 candidates at The Valley Express Snow Queen Festival on November 11.

Olivia and 27 other Snow Queens from cities and towns across the state began a whirlwind weekend of events with a welcome reception this morning. This afternoon, the contestants attended sponsor visits throughout Aberdeen and ended the day with a Skate with Frosty. Tomorrow will be filled with interviews, workshops, and a banquet and ball. Saturday will be packed with community activities, rehearsals, and of course, Coronation. Addison Kuecker, South Dakota’s 2023 Snow Queen from Webster, will pass her crown to the 2024 Snow Queen.

Last weekend, Willa Stern, the 2023 Junior Snow Queen, who is also from Webster, helped to crown the 2024 Junior Snow Queen. Chesnie Heim from Northwestern won the title. The first runner-up was Mataya Knecht from Britton Area. The second runner-up was Kadence Bulgin from Bowdle. Isabelle Mikkelsen from Gettysburg was chosen as Miss Congeniality.

The 2024 South Dakota Snow Queen will represent our state at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the Gypsy Day Parade, Applefest, the Brown County Fair, and other events.