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Spear, Olson named to Carnival royalty

| January 10, 2017 3:13 PM

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Nick Spear (Jill Courtney photo)

The Whitefish Winter Carnival got underway for its 58th year during the annual Merry Maker on Saturday, crowning Prime Minister Nick Spear and Duchess of Lark Renee Olson who will be part of the carnival’s royal court.

Nick Spear is an actor and singer-songwriter.

His original songs have been used for TV on A&E and Lifetime Networks, as well as advertisements for companies from Safeway stores to Dos Equis beer.

He has released several independent singles, and a full length album, “A River Below,” on Down Boys Records. Spears is also a Stonebridge Guitars Collaborating Artist. He has a master of fine arts degree in theatre, and has performed professionally around the country in musicals, plays, symposia and concert engagements.

Spear is also an adjunct theatre professor at Flathead Valley Community College.

Renee Olson was born and raised in Marysville Washington; a small town North of Seattle. As a child she enjoyed the outdoors, played soccer and volleyball and was also on the dance team.

Although Olson has since relocated to the Flathead Valley, her parents, brother and extended family remain in Washington.

Olson began her career working as a receptionist in local doctor’s offices. When she was 24 she began to work for her aunt who managed an escrow office. She remembers being impressed with her aunt’s professionalism and knowledge of the industry. After learning from that experience, she took a position with Stewart Title and later focused her attention on private escrow companies, which is where she learned to close transactions.

In 1992 she visited the Flathead for the first time and was fascinated by Glacier National Park. She moved here permanently in the fall of 1995 and accepted a job with Whitefish Title Services, where she worked for 19 years. Over time her personal and professional relationships grew. She most recently joined Insured Titles in Whitefish. She really enjoys mentoring others through the escrow process and building meaningful, life-long friendships with her clients.

Olson is a die-hard Seahawks fan and had the privilege of passing out stats at home games for several seasons. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, working out at Studio 48 Pilates studio, river rafting and snow shoeing. She visits her family as often as possible and supports the local arts.

Olson has participated in Winter Carnival for over 15 years as a Viking Diva, but she is profoundly honored to trade her lipstick in for a “Tiara” as this year’s Duchess; a dedicated member of Whitefish’s royal family.

Winter Carnival events continue this weekend with the coronation of King Ullr and the Queen of Snows on Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center, followed by the Disco Party. Frey and Freya are crowned Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Whitefish High School basketball game.

The World Invitational Whitefish Ski Joring races will take place Jan. 28 and 29 at the Whitefish Municipal Airport.

The Gala is Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Whitefish Lake Restaurant.

The main day for the Carnival is Saturday, Feb. 4. The Penguin Plunge is at 11 a.m. at City Beach, followed by a pie social at 12:30 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church. The Grand Parade makes its way through downtown beginning at 3 p.m.

Wrapping up events on Sunday, Feb. 5, the Rotary club hosts a pancake breakfast at the Moose Lodge from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.whitefishwintercarnival.com.