Meet the candidates for St. Paul Winter Carnival Queen of the Snows

Molly Guthrey, Pioneer Press
Updated ·5 min read

Meet the nine candidates for the 2024 Aurora, Queen of the Snows of the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

Julia Bina, sponsored by Hamernick’s Flooring Solutions

A lifelong science enthusiast, Bina earned a degree in biology with minors in public health and chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 2019. She says her life changed forever when she joined a yearlong, team-based service program after graduating. Some highlights of her service include building hiking trails in Connecticut, responding to hurricanes in Louisiana and helping to restore a historic cemetery in Virginia. Bina, a project coordinator for a local housing nonprofit, is currently pursuing a second degree in nursing. Her other goals include becoming scuba certified, swimming with whale sharks and traveling to every continent — including Antarctica.

Michelle Boris, sponsored by Bungalow Inn of Lakeland

“She loves Titanic, coffee and Jesus, and not in that order.” Boris, a youth and young adult minister at a church, says this description — from a teenager she works with — is accurate. She has led mission trips to Guatemala and recently returned from a pilgrimage to Portugal. Michelle’s passion for youth work has taken her all over, from serving as a long-term volunteer in Scotland and Ireland to a retreat leader in Dubai. She also loves museums so much that she is pursuing a master’s degree in art history at the University of St Thomas. In her free time, this Cathedral Hill resident enjoys volunteering with a golden retriever rescue and a Guatemalan coffee program, cooking, thrifting and planning her dream trip to a dog rescue in Morocco.

Amy Lyn Johnson, sponsored by Remax Results — Greg Kuntz

Born in St. Paul, Johnson has an associate’s degree from Anoka-Ramsey Community College. After graduation, she enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve and reached the rank of Master Chief. In her civilian life, she is an optician. Johnson enjoys hiking and camping with her dog, Andy. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from Bellevue University.

Christine Hanley, sponsored by Landmark Jewelers

Christine Hanley says she was born with a “servant’s heart and a sense of heritage,” which led her to serve in the U.S. Navy for the past 17 years. Having found a passion for helping others through chiropractic and acupuncture care, Hanley will graduate with a doctorate in Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University in April. In her spare time, Hanley can be found dancing in her kitchen, hosting charcuterie and craft nights and working on a never-ending list of home improvement projects. She also loves exploring Minnesota’s lakes and running trails with her son, Landon.

Heather Fairbanks, sponsored by Quality Insurance Service

Heather Eve Fairbanks was born on New Year’s Eve, which she says seems like the perfect origin story for Winter Carnival royalty. While she’s more likely to be found indoors admiring the sparkling snowflakes with a cup of cocoa, Fairbanks loves celebrating Minnesota’s fairs, festivals and unique community events, especially parades. She serves as volunteer coordinator for a Twin Cities charity empowering women, a Girl Scouts troop leader and assists dozens of other organizations each year; she is a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal. A lifelong Minnesotan, Fairbanks and her husband, George, live in Cottage Grove with their middle schooler, Phoebe.

Katy Jo Johnson, sponsored by Long’s Auto Place

A proud Minnesotan, Johnson can be found outside in all seasons, especially on the golf course in the summer. When she can’t be outside, she loves rooting for Minnesota sports teams and crocheting blankets for her friends. Johnson works at Medtronic hosting physician VIP visits and frequently volunteers with their Young Professionals, Women and Christian Networks. Learning about her ancestry and empowering others to tell their stories are two things Johnson is passionate about.

Kim Johnson, sponsored by Witsend Properties

Johnson grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and currently lives in Apple Valley with her 9-year-old daughter, Danielle, and husband Bryan. Having joined the military at age 17, she retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard after 20 years. With her assignments primarily in St. Paul, Kim adored the activities within the city. She says one of the rewarding factors she has received from being involved in the community is meeting Bryan and tying the knot. In her career, she is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs.

Madalyn McGarry, sponsored by LCS Company

McGarry is currently a senior at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She is studying sociology of law, criminology and justice with a minor in Spanish. McGarry enlisted in the military when she was 17 and is currently serving in the Minnesota National Guard. Outside of school and work, she loves spending time with her friends and family. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, she loves all things outdoors. She travels as often as she can, loves to craft and start new projects.

Jennifer Westerhaus, sponsored by ALL, Incorporated.

Westerhaus serves as president of National Charity League, a local nonprofit. This mother-daughter organization encompasses her passion for volunteering, leadership development and cultural experiences. Growing up, Westerhaus fondly remembers her Mexican grandma preparing food for the entire family and has continued this tradition by welcoming friends and family to her home for a great meal. Westerhaus likes to stay active and has completed many fitness and wellness challenges. She and her family spend time together at soccer games, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, playing with their two dogs and traveling.

Royal coronation

The magic of the 10-day Winter Carnival begins with the royal coronation, where the new King Boreas and the new Aurora, Queen of the Snows will be revealed, along with the royal guards and the four Wind Princes and Princesses. The public is welcome to attend the royal coronation ceremony for a reduced price.

When: Doors open for limited general-admission seating at approximately 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, with coronation starting at 8 p.m.

Where: St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul.

Admission: $30 per person with a 2024 Winter Carnival button. Ticket sales, while supplies last, run through Wednesday, Jan. 24. No ticket sales will be available at the door.

Info: The full event includes a royal dinner ($115-$95) with a VIP option (add $35). Get details and purchase tickets at wintercarnival.com/event/royal-coronation.

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