Royaly send Carnival thanks

To all the loyal citizens of the realm, what an honor and a privilege it has been to have been chosen to represent this special community as the King and Queen of our just past Whitefish Winter Carnival LVI.

“America the Beautiful, Honoring Our Veterans” an epic theme united us as a community to not only celebrate community heritage, but also to salute an elite group of citizens who have made many sacrifices to ensure such celebrations occur. Thank You.

The Winter Carnival takes place each year because casts of thousands dedicate endless volunteer hours to make sure this past weekend goes flawlessly. We would like to recognize and acknowledge the following.

To all our military Grand Marshals, their escorts, all the veterans and all the military personnel who displayed their pride in our country and honored us with their participation — thank you.

To all the parents, their children, businesses, sponsors, organizations who joined in our frivolity by volunteering their time and efforts — thank you.

To our former Kings, Queens, Duchesses who offered their advice, encouragement and assistance — thank you. To the brethren of the Red Poly Coats who continue to watch our sixes — thank you.

To our Winter Carnival Board for making this extraordinary Winter Carnival LVI come off-facing budgets, venues, fund raising — the coronation, disco, ski joring, the Gala, the Penguin Plunge, the Grand Parade, the Float Goats — thank you for all the volunteer hours and problem solving.

To our Prime Luke Walrath, who has been spectacular from the get go taking on Yetis and protecting our kingdom — lending his superior talent in every way. Duchess Linda Ray, who deserves a larger tiara than the Queen, but isn’t going to get it — for all her outstanding care and scheduling of all our appearances. Both of our royals have given so much more — thank you.

To our royal Freys, Princess Nikita and Prince Sam, Princess Peyton and Prince Keaton, you have made our appearances so special and we appreciate your tolerance of the elder royals — thank you.

Our ever loyal and so gifted Herald the Hark, Dana — always Impressive and attuned to enhance all our appearances — thank you.

And finally to our dear spouses and families, without whose love and support we could not have accepted such a privileged role — thank you.

Again from the two of us, as we embark on a year of community events and festivals throughout the Northwest we are humbled and energized by one wonderful town.

Thanks Again!

— King ULLR LVI , Lin Akey, Queen of The Snows, Anita Welch