Maret Bylander is the new Klondike Kate.
The Stillwater woman donned the 2023 sash Wednesday night after an acting competition that is a traditional prelude to the St. Paul Winter Carnival. This year’s event took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on St. Paul’s East Side.
Five women competed to succeed Tina Hacker, the Klondike Kate 2022.
Klondike Kate hopefuls are judged on their musical performance, song choice, vocal abilities, wardrobe, crowd appeal, and authenticity in portraying the real-life character, Klondike Kate.
The pageant, started in 1971, celebrates the spirit of the gold rush dancers, with Kate being the “lady of fun, frivolity and good fellowship” of the carnival.
The 2023 Winter Carnival will take place from January 26 to February 5.
