The Fire King and his Vulcan Krewe

Fire King Rex VI (1940), was the first Fire King to have a Krewe run with him, the first Krewe to ride a firetruck – officially – and the first Krewe to bestow the ever-popular “mark”. The Krewe was also the first Krewe to wear a running suit, cape, helmet, and goggles (mask), as we know them today.

The Knighting Ceremony

These ceremonies have been around for almost fifty years. Every year, each Krewe knights literally hundreds of lucky individuals. Special people are singled out by Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe on which to bestow this unique privilege. A knighting ceremony consists of a “title” being bestowed, and a certificate being presented. The title and the memory of this event are forever. The titles that are given to the individuals are usually thought up by the Krewe members.

The Royal Chariot

The current fire engine being used by the Fire King Krewe is a 1932 Luverne. The engine was built in Luverne, Minnesota, and is believed to be the only one of its type left.

The “Mark”

The mark started in 1940. The mark was originally imparted on ladies of the realm as a sign of their willingness to demonstrate their allegiance to the Vulcans and to forsake forever Boreas and his followers. In more recent times, the mark has been extended to male members of the population in this manner; a Krewe member will draw a “V” on the cheek or forehead of the individual.

Legend Characters

2017

Queen of Snows

Candidates

Ashley Curtis

Sponsored by Repeat After Me Bridal

Ashley was born in California and moved to Mn. with her parents and 3 siblings when she was just 5 years old, she loves all outdoor activities, but if she had to pick her favorite place in Mn it would be on the glass at any Wild hockey game. Ashley takes pride in her work as a florist and always has tissues ready when she hands a bride her bouquet. Ashley lives her life like there’s no midnight.

Bobbie Johnson

Sponsored by Lakeville Logistics

Bobbie has lived in Minnesota since she was 3 and is truly a Minnesotan at heart. She is happily married to her soul mate of 19 yrs and has a very spoiled dog she rescued from the humane society. She lives in Little Canada off of Lake Gervais and couldn’t imagine living any where else but St. Paul, MN! She is blessed to still have both of her parents and 2 older brothers and their families.

Elaina Hamann

Sponsored by Rice Street Festival

Elaina graduated from Hamline University cum laude in Education and Social Studies. At Hamline, she was a student-mentor and a board member for SOSA. She taught in a St. Paul Public School last year and will return after graduate school. Elaina started a 501c3 non-profit group called SAVE, with her sister in 2008. In her spare time, she loves volunteering, trying new restaurants, and drawing.

Elijah Carter

Sponsored by SevenHills Benefit Partners

Elijah hails from right across the river, in Minneapolis, where she is a senior at Metropolitan State University. With an HR Management major, it’s her dream to work as a Fortune 500 executive. During her collegiate career, she has served as President of her sorority Kappa Phi Omega and 2013-14 Hopkins Raspberry Festival Queen; all while staying busy checking World Wonders off her “must see” list.

Heather Westling

Sponsored by Quality Insurance Service

Heather holds a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. The daughter of a stroke survivor, she follows her passion working for Aegis Therapies helping patients recover skills and find a “new normal.” Her sense of adventure led her to London, England, assisting asylum-seekers find affordable housing. Heather likes to read, knit, attend musicals, and teach her dog Pippi new tricks.

Jayna Emerson

Sponsored by American Stone Restoration

Jayna is a mother of a spunky toddler, Jacob, and stepmother of two fabulous young women Kaylee and McKenna. She is obsessed with country music & anything SPARKLY! She is currently a Rebate Analyst Administrator at CenterPoint Energy. She is also an advocate for Suicide Prevention & The Children’s Advocacy Network. She held the title of West St. Paul Princess in 2008. Her life motto is “Always Stay Humble & Kind.”

Jean Harwell

Sponsored by Bungalow Inn of Lakeland

Jean is known as “Mom” to 10 kids. She enjoys bowling, hanging out with friends and meeting new people. She is thrilled to take this journey with all these wonderful ladies and feels no matter where you are at in life, when you feel the joy burn within, fuel the fire. Spread the Joy!!

Jennie Albert

Sponsored by Northern Prairie Financial

Jennie Albert has lived in Brooklyn Park for 18 years with her husband Mike and her daughter Sara. Jennie is an avid volunteer and is part of the Executive Committee for the Tater Daze festival, has been a Girl Scout troop leader for 7 years, is a member of the Brooklyn Park Women of Today, and many other activities. She has 2 cats and 2 dogs, loves traveling, poker and spending time w/ family.

Jennifer Battan

Sponsored by Collaborative Leadership Team

Jennifer recently merged 15 years of business experience with her volunteer passion and is a Territory Manager for Destination Imagination, a creative problem solving and STEAM program. A Nebraska native, she’s now an active member of the Brooklyn Park community. She’s a stained-glass artist, knitter, reader, Munzee hunter and fearlessly fosters the creativity and curiosity of her four children.

Johanna Smith

Sponsored by VocalEssence

When you first meet Johanna, you’ll notice her smile, unwavering positive attitude, and willingness to try anything! Her favorite hobbies are knitting, juggling, music, and catching up with friends. Johanna has always been driven to help the community and loves spending time volunteering with Girl Scouts as well as Loaves and Fishes. She is a Chemical Engineer from Purdue University, Go Boilers!

Kara Berzelius Martin

Sponsored by Grand Spectacle

Kara has earned both her Bachelor of Science degree in Art, as well as a Master of Science in Education in School Counseling from UW-River Falls. She served as president of her college sorority, and continues to serve on the Chapter Association. In her free time, she enjoys curling, crafting, spending time with her husband & friends, and volunteering with her youth group, Job’s Daughters.

Karlee Callender

Sponsored by Bennet’s Chop & Rail House

Karlee is a 1st generation graduate with a Bachelors of Education & Spanish Proficiency from the University of Minnesota. She is pursuing her dream of being a business owner, model, cheer coach, & nanny during the 1 year deferment of grad school. She currently coaches an adaptive team and grades 1-4. She uses her love of fashion to volunteer model by working with Allina Mental Health & My Sister.

Keyah Adams

Sponsored by Apitz Painting

T’Keyah Adams is a 22 year old Hopkins native currently residing in Bloomington with her fiance. Adams is a graduate (Dec 2016) of Hamline University in St. Paul where she earned her B.A in Anthropology and minors in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice. She currently works at Things Remembered as an Associate and Engraver. Her hobbies include reading, volunteering, family time, and photography.

Kyla Bernardy

Sponsored by Ideal Printers Inc.

Kyla received her Bachelor’s Degree and Culinary Arts Degree in 2015. Kyla works at U.S. Water Services as a Chemical Buyer. In her free time, Kyla coaches youth basketball, enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends. Kyla enjoys traveling. She has visited over 20 countries and even learned to speak Spanish and Chinese. During her lifetime, Kyla hopes to visit all seven continents.

Lindsey Sandoval

Sponsored by Amber Graves, Coldwell Banker Burnet

Lindsey Jo Sandoval is passionate about making a difference in her community. She has a master’s degree in business administration and is a professional media makeup artist. In her spare time she refinishes furniture, sings, travels, and loves to make people laugh. She has a love for bringing out the best in those around her. Mrs. Sandoval lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two stepsons.

Molly Reuther

Sponsored by River Run Team, ReMax Results

Molly Reuther is proud to hail from the spicy city of South Saint Paul where she was born and raised. A graduate of Winona State University, Molly obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2013. In her free time, Molly can be found spending time with her husband and two cats, George and Lily, volunteering for the Miss South St. Paul Royalty Program or cheering on the Minnesota Wild.

Rahila Hungiapuko

Sponsored by MN Smoothies & St. Paul Bagelry

As the youngest of three and the only girl; Rahila is a St. Paul resident and 2012 Bethel University graduate. She enjoys visiting museums and art galleries, finding new nature parks to explore, and is an avid volunteer to many local organizations. Being a part of St. Paul Winter Carnival has been a dream of hers since she was a little girl. Rahila lives by the doctrine: “scientia potentia est”.

Rebecca Cooper

Sponsored by Bex Blings

Rebecca is a 4th generation resident of Saint Paul. She served our country with over 23 years of military service. Since retiring as a Service Disabled Veteran, she works as a Librarian for both Hennepin and Ramsey County Libraries. She is the owner of Bex Blings, a Woman Owned Small Business. She is an active volunteer in her community supporting her church while being a hockey and baseball mom.

Ruth Tibesar

Sponsored by Powers Enterprises

Ruth comes from Rochester and is a 38 year employee of the Mayo Clinic. I have a strong passion for Mental Health Awareness having been diagnosed with clinical depression 5 years ago. Ruth wants to take the Boo out of Taboo when talking about Mental illness. Its not so scary if you just talk and share. I am living proof of that. I am Rochester’s on and only Tooth Fairy. I am Tenacious!!

Samantha Brogger

Sponsored by Total Luxury Limousine

Hailing from Northfield, Samantha graduated from high school and was in Navy boot camp 17 days later. She spent eight years as a Crewchief on a cargo airplane before graduating from the U of M and receiving a commission as a Naval Officer, serving for five years in Navy squadrons. Currently, Samantha is working on a Graduate degree in Public Safety with a specialization in Emergency Management.

Tiffany Swenson

Sponsored by Kamp’s Food Market & K2 Cars

Tiffany is the production manager for Automated Photo Technology. She loves to share her memories from the house in Saint Paul where four generations of Swensons have lived. As a mother and health coach, she encourages a positive and happy lifestyle. Tiffany is proud of the long-lasting relationships she creates, including that with her first employer and current sponsor: Kamp’s Food Market.

Klondike Kates