Royal Order of the

Klondike Kates

2027 Klondike Kate Contest Application

Interested in being Klondike Kate?

Each year, a new Klondike Kate is selected through an interview and live performance contest. If you’re ready to bring your personality, talent and your own take on Klondike Kate to the stage, it all starts here.

Review the application process, important dates and contest requirements below to learn what to expect and how to apply.

Important Dates

Application & music deadline: November 20, 2026

Online application must be received and music submission must be postmarked by this date.

Klondike Kate Contest: January 6, 2027

Vadnais Heights Commons
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. · Show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Official candidates will be asked to attend an information session in December to review additional details and expectations.

Please Note:

Completing the application process does not guarantee acceptance. The ROKK reserves the right to decline participation at any point in the process, through and including the outcome of the Klondike Kate Contest.

Application Process

The Klondike Kate Contest has a three-step application process:

  1. Submit your application
    Complete all required fields below.
  2. Pay the $100 application fee
    Submit the non-refundable application fee using the provided payment link, or mail a check payable to ROKK.
    • Pay online
    • Or send check to:
      ROKK
      PO Box 211193
      Eagan, MN 55121
  3. Submit your music
    Send your three music selections and required materials to the musical director by the November 20 deadline. Music Submission Guidelines
    • Please Note: The application fee does not include the cost of the mandatory background check through the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, producers of the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

Before you begin, be ready to provide:

  • A brief bio that may be used for publicity and candidate introductions
  • A description of your musical and entertainment background and why you want to be the 2027 Klondike Kate, 100 words or fewer
  • Three song selections, each three minutes or less
  • The key for each song, if known
    • If you are uncertain of the key, please note that next to your song.
  • One required professional reference
  • One optional performance reference

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Tell us a little about yourself. This may be used for publicity and by the Master of Ceremonies to introduce you.
In 100 words or fewer, tell us about your musical and entertainment background and why you want to be Klondike Kate.
List three songs and the key for each. If you are unsure of a key, write “unsure.”
Provide the name, title and email address of someone you have worked with or volunteered with.
Provide the name, title and email address of a performance reference, such as a choir director or voice coach.

Application Requirements

By submitting this application, you confirm that you understand the 2027 Klondike Kate Contest application requirements, including:

  • A non-refundable $100 application fee
  • An additional fee for the required background check conducted through the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation
  • Music selections must be submitted by the required deadline
  • Completing the application process does not guarantee acceptance
  • ROKK reserves the right to decline participation at any point in the process. All application-related fees are non-refundable

Promotional Use

The Royal Order of the Klondike Kates and the St. Paul Winter Carnival may use information from your application and your likeness in promotional materials.

Candidates may not solicit sponsorships. Information about current sponsorship opportunities will be shared with the winner.

Music Submission Guidelines

All music must be postmarked no later than November 20, 2026.

Please submit the following:

  • A recording of your music. Cassette or CD recordings are accepted.
  • Acceptable sheet music, including:
    • Full score sheet music
    • Lead sheets with lyrics and chords
    • Guitar tablature with lyrics, chords and guitar tabs

Songs will be performed in the key indicated on your application and sheet music. If you are unsure of your key, please indicate that on your application. Our musical director will work with you to determine the appropriate key.

Place your name and phone number on each page of music and mail your materials to:

David Swanson
2174 12th Street
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

If you are unable to locate sheet music for your song selection, please Contact the Kates directly. Additional options may be available. In some cases, scores can be written for an additional cost to the applicant, or a different song selection may be requested.

The Contest: What to Expect

Before the Contest

Interview

Several days before the contest, candidates will participate in an approximately one-hour interview with a panel of judges. This interview is a major component of the overall score.

Rehearsal

Based on availability, candidates will likely rehearse for approximately one hour with the musical director that same day.

Format

The contest is part of a larger Klondike Kate program, with competition rounds happening throughout the evening and the new Klondike Kate crowned at the end.

The Contest has three rounds.

Round One

Each candidate will perform in round one.

Round Two

Candidates may be selected to advance to round two. An on-stage fishbowl question will be asked of each selected candidate.

Round Three

Up to three finalists will advance to perform in round three.

Judging Criteria

Judging includes a pre-contest interview as well as evaluation during the live contest.

Candidates are evaluated through both the pre-contest interview and their performance during the contest.

Interview

Several days before the contest, candidates participate in an approximately one-hour interview with a panel of judges. The interview is a major component of the overall score.

Contest

During the live contest, judges evaluate candidates in four areas:

Vocal Ability

Judges will consider overall vocal quality, including pitch, technique, musicality and how confidently the candidate performs her song.

Costuming

Costuming should reflect the look and spirit of an 1890s Gold Rush-era saloon hall singer and entertainer, with attention to how well the overall appearance fits the era and the character of Klondike Kate.

Authenticity of Klondike Kate

Judges will consider how convincingly the candidate brings Klondike Kate to life through her personality, presence and interpretation of the character.

Crowd Appeal & Overall Performance

Judges will consider how well the candidate connects with and entertains the audience, along with the energy, confidence and overall impact of her performance.

Questions?

For more information, please Contact the Kates directly.