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.

2024 Snow Queen

Oliva Hadrick

Hello! I am your 2024 South Dakota Snow Queen, Olivia Hadrick. I was crowned in January of 2024, and I will give up my crown in January 2025. I’m currently a senior at Faulkton High School where I am a three-sport athlete and involved in FFA, National Honor Society, and the All School Play. I will be graduating from Faulkton High School in May and plan to attend South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD to major in Animal Science. During the summer, I am usually found doing 4-H projects, working on my family’s ranch, and now, reigning as the 2024 Snow Queen. I am beyond excited to spend this year in crown and gown with my junior queen, Chesnie. She is the sweetest girl you’ll ever meet, and I know we have and will make some of the best memories together.
Back in 2021, when I was a freshman in high school, I was crowned and reigned as the 2021 South Dakota Junior Snow Queen. This opportunity was absolutely incredible, and I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for Snow Queen. I made many friends from other festivals, got lots of public speaking experience, and most importantly, met my lifelong best friend who served as the 2021 South Dakota Snow Queen. April Simon represented SDSQ with poise and grace and she will forever be a role model to me and so many others.
This wouldn’t be possible without my family, friends, and community. Faulkton may be a small town, but we are mighty! I have had unwavering support from my community from day one and that’s something very special. There’s no support system greater than my rural community. I also want to thank my local contest and its coordinators, the Faulktoneers; the South Dakota Snow Queen Board; the many volunteers that go into making state Snow Queen a success; and my judges. Without all of you, this wouldn’t be possible. Thank you all for believing in me and allowing me to represent you; it has truly been an honor.

2024 Junior Snow Queen

Chesnie Heim

Hi! I am the 2024 South Dakota Jr Snow Queen, Chesnie Heim. I was officially crowned in January of 2024, and I will be passing my crown down in January of 2025. I am the daughter of Chad and Amy Heim and grew up on a buffalo ranch about 45 miles southwest of Aberdeen. I am currently a sophomore at Northwestern Area High School and a two-sport athlete, participating in volleyball and track. I am also a part of leadership-based groups such as FFA, FBLA, and 4-H.

This year, I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new memories with my senior queen, Olivia Hadrick. In my free time I can often be found outdoors, watching movies, working on an art project, listening to music, or spending time with my friends and family. Some fun facts about me are that I am the middle of five children (Bailey, Brooke, Chase, and Stratton), my favorite color is purple, and my all-time favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz.

During my reign as the South Dakota Jr Snow Queen, I hope to genuinely represent the great State of South Dakota to the best of my ability. I believe that Snow Queen is a foundation that truly empowers young women, such as myself, to reach their full potential. Snow Queen is something that I am very proud to be involved in, and I look forward to spending a year as the South Dakota Jr Snow Queen. I would also like to thank the community of Mellette, South Dakota for making it possible for me to be in this position. Without the support of my community and family, I would not be where I am right now.