Live Contest Program

Welcome

Meet Your Emcee

Meet the Judges

2025 Judge

Dave Breen

Winter Carnival Legend Character Representative

David Breen is the Owner and President of Rainbow Restoration of Shoreview.  His involvement with the Winter Carnival began in 1999 as the North Wind Guard, but he later embraced the warmth of summer, becoming Count of Ashes in 2007. In 2017, David took on the esteemed role of Vulcanus Rex the 80th. He currently serves as the President of the Fire King Council and as an Executive Director on the Fire and Brimstone Board of Directors as the Senior Fire King.  In addition to his contributions to the Winter Carnival, David has had a distinguished career in public service, including 25 years with the Roseville Fire Department, President of the Roseville Fire Fighter Relief Association for 14 years, and as a Lay Minister representative on church councils.  Fun Fact:  As a major sponsor and director of construction for the 2019 Red Bull Flugtag, David helped bring the Klondike Kate airship, the “Katie Hawk” to life! 

2025 Judge

Billy Given

Winter Carnival Legend Character Representative

Billy is 2022 Boreas Rex LXXXV (85). He was born and raised in St Paul, attended St. Paul Academy, and graduated from Cornell University’s prestigious Hotel School. Billy worked in the catering and hospitality industry for 35 years, mostly on the PGA Tour—catering more than 650 professional golf tournaments in The US, Mexico, and Canada.   He is now mostly retired and consulting the USGA every year for their Men’s Open food service.  His hobbies are music (plays piano and guitar), golf, and alpine skiing. Fun Fact:  Billy is the former owner of the Prom, the event center where this year’s Kate Contest is being held. 

2025 Judge

Selina Stanek

Partner Festival Representative

Selina Stanek was born and raised in the La Crosse, Wisconsin, area. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with a concentration on interior design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.  Selina is a life-long participant and patron of performing arts and is the reigning La Crescent Apple Annie for 2024. 

2025 Judge

Barb Koch

Partner Festival Representative

Barb was and raised on the East Side of St. Paul, where she was active in the Payne/Arcade Harvest Festival.  She served as the 2022-2023 Senior Queen for the Woodbury Ambassadors.  She and her husband, Tom, have 4 sons, 4 daughters-in-law, and 2 grandsons.  Barb is a teacher at Woodbury Lutheran Preschool, where she was honored to be chosen as a finalist for the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award in 2023.

2025 Judge

Dawn McClain

Community Representative

Dawn McClain is co-host of the Adventures of Bradley and Dawn radio show on Mytalk 107.1 every weekday from noon to 3 p.m. Her latest hobby is baking – so share your best recipes with her!  Fun Fact:  Dawn’s boyfriend, known on My Talk as “MC” was a former Junior Commodore of the Minneapolis Aquatennial in 1978!

2025 Judge

Kat Perkins

Community Representative

Kat Perkins appeared on NBC’s The Voice Season 6 and advanced to the show’s finals. Mentored by Adam Levine, Kat climbed her way to fourth place! A native of the tiny town of Scranton, ND, Kat has resided in Minneapolis, Minnesota since 1999.  Kat founded The Rising Star Foundation in 2017

2025 Judge

Kim Tsoukalas

ROKK Representative

Meet our Judge Kimberly Tsoukalas.  Kim is Klondike Kate 2003 and loves the St. Paul Winter Carnival.  Her hubby Iako was Flame 2012 with the Vulcan Krewe, so there is a lot of red in their house.  Kim owns 2 businesses – Network in Action Twin Cities and Dream Vacations – which keep her plenty busy.  Besides singing and theatre, her favorite pastime is travel.  She enjoys taking people on amazing trips all over the world!  Kim has 2 beautiful poodles, Paris and Cece.  She lives In Bloomington but grew up in Stanley, North Dakota.  Fun facts:  Kim’s Kate handle is the Kissing Kate, and her other festival title is Spiezmanszug of Minnesota Princess 2009! 

2025 Judge

Darci Strutt

ROKK Representative

Darci Strutt, Klondike Kate 2009, is a singer/songwriter from the Village of North Hudson in Wisconsin. She is trained both as a classical vocalist and a flirtatious singer. Her handle, Pepper Kate, is based on her involvement in her community festival Pepper Fest. She began volunteering at the festival in 1990 and enjoyed being mom to Pepper Princess Dawn in 2004, and wife to Pepper King McQ in 2006. The couple were honored to be Pepper Fest “Good Neighbors” in 2015, partially for their ongoing hosting of the pre-Pepper Fest party known as “Guards in the Yard” which continues with the help of the Royal Guard the Thursday before the festival.  Darci asks you to raise a glass to Pepper King McQ in heaven and enjoy the show.

2025 Judge

Maret Bylander

ROKK Representative

Maret was introduced to the Klondike Kates in 2018 by her dear friends, Bob and Cheryl Flood, when she attended her first contest.  It took her two more contests before she took the plunge to give it a try in 2022.  Her first audition gave her the confidence and experience to come back and try again, and in 2023 she won and was sashed by her predecessor, Tina Hacker.  Fun Fact:  Maret’s Kate handle is Artisti-Kate!  

Meet the Kate Contestants

2025 Kate Contestant

Amelia Peach (Ame’ Jo)

Zimmerman, MN

As the co-owner of MusicBox Entertainment, Amelia Peach has been bringing music and fun to life for years. Known for her karaoke and DJ expertise, Ame’ Jo’s performances are filled with energy and heart. She started singing at age three and has directed choirs and participated in church productions. Ame’ Jo carries her late mother’s dream of becoming a Kate and is ready to shine on stage. With a love for entertaining and connecting with people, Ame’ Jo aims to create unforgettable moments as Klondike Kate.

2025 Kate Contestant

Bonnie Lopez

West St. Paul, MN

Bonnie Lopez has been dreaming of becoming part of the Klondike Kate sisterhood for years. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and animal lover, Bonnie’s heart is as big as her smile. She’s volunteered with the Special Olympics for over 20 years, sharing her passion for community and giving back. Her love for veterans holds a special place in her heart, inspired by her husband’s service. With her vibrant personality and playful spirit, Bonnie is ready to charm audiences and represent the Kates with pride and warmth.

2025 Kate Contestant

Kat Connery

Plymouth, MN

A true Renaissance woman, Kat Pepmiller is a costumer, foodie, DJ, fiber artist, and voice actor with a flair for entertaining. Growing up in Plymouth, Kat found her calling in performing, from emceeing cosplay competitions to embodying lively characters with her voice. Her love for music spans decades and styles, creating connections through song. Inspired by the real Klondike Kate’s caring spirit, Kat hopes to use her vivacious personality to spread joy and become everyone’s Auntie Kat(e) as Klondike Kate 2025.

2025 Kate Contestant

Katie Johnson

St. Paul, MN

A lifelong St. Paul resident, Katie Johnson finds joy in rock hunting, caring for her critters, and lifting spirits through music. From high school theater to college choir, Katie’s love for performing has been a constant. Currently singing with her church choir, she sees Klondike Kate as the perfect opportunity to honor her late mother’s love for the Winter Carnival. With her sass, laughter, and connection to the Royal Order, Katie is ready to share the magic of music and merriment as the next Klondike Kate.

2025 Kate Contestant

Kira Sable

Minneapolis, MN

A proud transplant to the Twin Cities, Kira Sable brings decades of singing experience to the stage. Growing up inspired by her parents’ record collection, Kira became a lead singer in a small-town cover band in Washington State, performing in bars, saloons, and community events. After making the top three in last year’s Klondike Kate contest, Kira is back with her signature confidence and stage presence, ready to light up her new community. She cherishes the sisterhood of the Kates and dreams of sharing joy, music, and laughter as the legendary Klondike Kate.

2025 Kate Contestant

Meg Nipe

Blaine, MN

Music teacher by day and adventurer by heart, Meg Nipe lives to bring joy and lightheartedness to her community. With a background in musical theatre, choir, a cappella, and over 25 productions under her belt, Meg is no stranger to the stage. A graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with an upcoming MA in Music Education, Meg believes laughter and music have the power to unite and uplift. Whether she’s strumming her guitar, exploring Twin Cities parks, or watching hockey, Meg is always ready to make people smile.

2025 Kate Contestant

Ruby Ericson

White Bear Lake, MN

Ruby Ericson’s passion for music and community service spans decades. A Sweet Adeline for over 35 years, Ruby has performed in countless musicals, quartets, and small group performances. Her experience includes singing telegrams and fostering connections through music. Ruby’s dedication to serving veterans and her community reflects her admiration for the Kates. With her love for harmony and her warm, caring nature, Ruby hopes to bring smiles and laughter as the next Klondike Kate.

Farewell to Klondike Kate 2024

Live Contest Updates

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

And the winner is…

Acknowledgements