Two IGH Residents Vying for Klondike Kate Title

Two Inver Grove Heights residents will be vying for the titile of Klondike Kate—St. Paul’s so-called “mistress of fun, frivolity and good fellowship”—tonight at the Prom Center in Oakdale.

Shelley Brown and Peggy Sweeney Junkin are among eight contestants for the position, which plays a sizable role in the upcoming St. Paul Winter Carnival.

The Klondike Kate hopefuls, say a press release from the winter carnival committee, will be judged on musical performance, song choice, vocal abilities, costuming, crowd appeal and authenticity.

Contestants will perform up to three songs in three rounds of competition, until a final elimination is made and Klondike Kate 2012 is chosen.

In addition to taking part in the winter carnival, Klondike Kate makes more than 100 appearances each year.

Here are biographies of Brown and Sweeney Junkin that were provided by the winter carnival committee.

SHELLEY BROWN—Shelley hails from Inver Grove Heights, is from a musical family and has loved music and performing all her life. She’s admired the bold, colorful Klondike Kates for years and since meeting them this year, felt as if she’d been introduced to some long-lost sisters! She’s a professional gardener and runs her own business. She plays the flute and we understand hosts one heck of a St Patrick’s Day party! Always a “good girl,” she thinks it’s time to express her naughty side!  Welcome, Shelley.

PEGGY SWEENEY JUNKIN—Peggy is an Inver Grove Heights gal and loved her first year in the competition last year. She is the second-oldest of 9 children, proud of her four children and six grandchildren! She loves life, love, family and friends, which hold the passion that energizes her days. Active in community theatre, she’s studied at McPhail and has performed title roles in local productions. Her aunt’s father, Lee Runyon, was Boreas Rex in 1951 and the family tales abound of the fun of St. Paul Winter Carnival. She’s always wanted to be Klondike Kate. Please welcome Peggy to the stage!

Also competing for the title are Anita Mack, St. Paul; Amy Hopkins, Baldwin, WI; Annette Keehan, Burnsville; Kathy Rustin-Westphal, St. Paul Park; Stephanie Weiss, St. Louis Park; and Theresa McConnon, St. Paul.

The Klondike Kate contest begins at 6:30 tonight at Prom Center, 484 Inwood Ave. N., Oakdale. Admission is $20 at the door, or $17 with a winter carnival button.

In addition to the contest, the Klondike Kates will conduct a charity “Gold Rush” to benefit the Memorial Blood Center.

Information: 651-289-KATE (5283) or www.klondikekates.org.

The 126th winter carnival is scheduled for Jan. 26-Feb. 5. Information: www.winter-carnival.com.