About | SDSQ

South Dakota Snow Queen Festival is a scholarship organization that provides scholarships for six girls each year. Girls from across the state compete in their local contests, with the winners of those coming to the State Festival in January. Junior Snow Queens candidates spend the first Friday and Saturday of January in Aberdeen, attending workshops, visiting businesses in Aberdeen, and making memories. Junior weekend ends with the Junior Snow Queen Coronation and Talent Contest on the first Saturday of January at 7pm at the Civic Theatre, where the Junior Snow Queen is crowned. Snow Queen candidates spend the second Thursday-Saturday of January in Aberdeen, attending workshops, visiting businesses in Aberdeen, and making memories. Snow Queen weekend ends with the Snow Queen Coronation on the second Saturday of January at 7pm at the Civic Theatre, where the Snow Queen and her court are crowned.

Some of the Snow Queen and Junior Snow Queen appearances during their reign include: St. Paul Winter Carnival, Minneapolis Aquatennial, Montevideo Fiesta Days, Willmar Fest, Gypsy Days, Bands Brews & BBQs, the Brown County Fair, and any other events that work into their schedule. Each year, these girls are representing their peers, local communities, Aberdeen, and the State of South Dakota. They experience how to build their network, enhance their speaking abilities, learn about new cultures, and are educated on the vast array of opportunities the State of South Dakota can offer all while earning themselves a college scholarship.

2025 Snow Queen

Katie Leadabrand

Hello! I’m Katie Leadabrand, your 2025 South Dakota Snow Queen. I was crowned in January 2025 and will complete my reign in January 2026.

I’m currently a senior at Watertown High School, where I’m both a figure skater and a coach for the Watertown Figure Skate Club. After graduation, I plan to attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion to study nursing. In the summer, you’ll usually find me at Pelican Lake—fishing, hiking, or working as a lifeguard for the City of Watertown.

I am overjoyed to share this year with my Junior Queen, Everleigh Kirk. She is truly one of the kindest girls I’ve ever met, and I feel lucky to walk beside her on this journey.

In 2022, I served as Jr. Miss Watertown Area and received the title of Jr. Miss Congeniality at state. That experience helped shape who I am today, and I truly believe the Snow Queen Festival has had a lifelong impact on me.

This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of my family and community of Watertown. I have felt nothing but support from everyone. A special thank you to my mom, Angie Anderson, who has been my biggest cheerleader from day one. She’s always encouraged me to dream big—and this crown represents a dream come true. Being crowned the 2025 South Dakota Snow Queen has been my dream since I was a little girl.

As the 2025 South Dakota Snow Queen, I hope to spread the message of kindness, love, and compassion throughout our state. This festival empowers young women to grow in confidence and leadership. I’ve learned that being a queen isn’t about wearing a crown—it’s about showing strength, kindness, and authenticity every day.

Thank you to my local Snow Queen coordinator, the South Dakota Snow Queen Board, our judges, and the many volunteers who make this all possible. Thank you to the queen’s coordinator for making everything run smoothly during my exciting trips as the 2025 South Dakota Snow Queen. Thank you all for believing in me and allowing me to represent you; it is truly an honor to be crowned the 2025 South Dakota Snow Queen.

2025 Junior Snow Queen

Everleigh Kirk

Hi! I’m your 2025 Jr. Snow Queen, Everleigh Kirk! I was crowned in January 2025 and will be passing on the crown in January 2026.

I’ve lived in Sisseton, South Dakota all my life—it’s about an hour and a half from Aberdeen. I’m the daughter of Lindsey Hortness and Derek Kirk, and I’m currently a freshman at Sisseton High School. I’m a two-sport athlete, playing volleyball and softball, and I stay involved through Student Council (serving as Freshman Class President), SADD, studio dance, and as a manager for the SHS Wrestling Team.

Outside of school, you can usually find me playing sports, reading a good book, spending time with friends and family, or watching my favorite show—Law & Order: SVU.

I’m so excited to spend this year learning and growing alongside my Senior Queen, Katie Leadabrand. I hope to make the most of this incredible opportunity and represent both my community and the beautiful state of South Dakota to the very best of my ability.

Lastly, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to the Friends & Neighbors Club and to everyone in my community. Your love and support have made this opportunity possible, and I’m so grateful for each and every one of you!