A Welch Township woman was named Klondike Kate for the 2019 St. Paul Winter Carnival during a Wednesday evening competition.
Sheryl Williams won the coveted sash while competing at the Landmark Center with just one other candidate, Shelly Pabst of South St. Paul.
They were judged on musical performance, song choice, vocal abilities, costuming, crowd appeal and “authenticity in portraying the real-life character” Klondike Kate, who charmed Gold Rush miners.
As Klondike Kate, Williams can expect to make more than 100 appearances during her yearlong reign — including singing gigs atop floats in summer parades.
Although there’s a new Klondike Kate each year, past winners continue to perform at the Winter Carnival and at appearances throughout the year.
The Klondike Kate competition is one of the preludes to the Winter Carnival. The 133rd annual civic celebration of wintertime runs Jan. 24 through Feb. 3.
Copyright 2019 Pioneer Press.
