Strausers crowned King and Queen for annual event
Whitefish couple Ross and Sue Strauser will reign as the Whitefish Winter Carnival King Ullr and Queen of the Snows.
They were crowned Saturday night in downtown Whitefish.
Ross is a 30-year veteran of the radio business. In 2007 he launched an online radio station, which now operates as BigValleyRadio.com. Sue is the business manager for the radio station. Together they have grown the station from the ground up.
The couple have two children, Myah and Rmi, who have both been heavily involved in music, art and drama.
The Strausers have been big supporters of the Whitefish Winter Carnival through the years. Ross served as the Carnival’s prime minister in 2009. Sue has taken photos for the Carnival.
The Winter Carnival main events are Feb. 4 with the Penguin Plunge at 11 a.m. at City Beach and grand parade at 3 p.m. downtown; and the Rotary Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 5 at the Whitefish Moose Lodge. For a schedule of events go to whitefishwintercarnival.com.
The King and Queen have chosen to introduce themselves to the good people of their realm by telling their story in their own words.
From the King:
Congratulations.
Today is his day.
There is a new King Ullr.
Hooray! Hooray!
Born in the far east of Montana with a microphone in his hand.
One of eight children nearly an entire big band.
His parents were busy there’s no doubt.
But in that fertile farm soil he did sprout.
He chose radio as his career — he chose it with care.
With voice over and production.
He lit up the air.
To many markets, he traveled and he talked.
Until one day in the Flathead, opportunity knocked.
So he made it his home, and oh how he grew.
He met a Dowaliby and married her too.
She was so pretty he made her his wife.
Yes Sue is her name, they were hitched for life.
To this marriage two talented children were born.
Music, art and drama are their thing.
Myah with her piano and Rmi with his horn.
Ten years ago Big Valley Radio came along.
A first in Montana, so fun and so strong!
With original shows, music and fun, Big Valley Radio would not to be outdone.
2009 was Carnival’s 50th year and the primes chose him as their crimson raconteur.
Then on to carnival board Prez and high Ullr he did go.
He held every position except king ... and queen and so ...
The black knights met around their round table
At least the select few that are still willing — and still able
To choose a King to lead this winter weary realm.
To the top of the list a name did rise, a crimson one is again at the helm.
With revelry and fanfare we proclaim a new King Ullr is crowned so youthful so tame.
So let his name ring out so loud, so high Ross Strauser Ross Strauser is King Ullr LVIII.
From the Queen:
“I am QUEEN?” she asked with a furled brow.
“Queen you am,” replied the grammatically incorrect crowd.
“Queen of the Snnneeeewwws!” they purposely did say,
“We’re celebrating Dr. Seuss ... Hip! Hip! Hooray!”
A long history with Carnival does have this Queen,
The sights, and the sounds, oh the things she has seen.
As a royalty daughter, aunt, sister, friend and wife,
There was no other choice, but to be a “Carnie” for life!
Once upon a time she was a dwarf on the button bus,
And way back when, the three-legged beer race was a must.
From a playful participant and vivacious volunteer,
To rowdy royal photographer, year after year.
With camera in hand sprinting up and down the parade route,
A float in Calgary knocked her down, but didn’t take her out!
So, this year she will cheerfully be seen about town,
Humbly proclaiming, “Never say Never” to wearing a crown!
With her royal court and husband King Ullr at her side,
Hang on to your floober-flabber- flubber-wubbies Whitefish!
It’s going to be a frivolous, fanatical, FUN-tastical ride!