Smith named Prime, Rossi named Duchess

The first royalty of the 60th annual Whitefish Winter Carnival has been announced.

Dr. Kanyon Smith was named Prime Minister and Christine Rossi the new Duchess of Lark during the Merry Maker Saturday night at the Whitefish Moose Lodge.

Dr. Kanyon Smith was born and raised in Miles City, Montana. He began his graduate studies at Montana State University in Bozeman and then went on to receive his doctor of chiropractic degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Bloomington, Minnesota. Smith began his chiropractic career with a preceptorship in Miami where he was able to strengthen his sports background by working on professional athletes such as members of the Miami Dolphins football team, the Florida Marlins baseball team, and professional golf, basketball, hockey and tennis players. He also treated members of Broadway shows as well as Ironman endurance athletes.

In 2001 Smith returned to Montana and opened Big Mountain Chiropractic of Whitefish, where he has served countless patients since then. Smith is very active in the community volunteering his time and expertise to help many causes including the Rotary Club of Whitefish, the Whitefish Christian Academy, his Church and the Glacier Twins through their annual boxing smoker. In 2017, Smith joined the staff at the Shepherds Hand Clinic where he has brought chiropractic care to many people who need his services. Smith currently serves on the board of directors for the Montana Chiropractic Association and is the immediate past president. His leadership has helped to shape the organization into one of the premiere associations in the state.

Smith is married to “Saint” Julie who is the only one who could ever truly put up with him. Together they are raising three amazing children although it may be difficult to discern whom is raising whom. A true Montana native, Smith enjoys skiing, hunting, fishing, boating, camping and all that our beautiful valley has to offer. You can usually find him in the great outdoors at his every opportunity — no matter the season.

Christine Rossi is an active member of the Whitefish community, focusing her volunteer efforts on public education and the arts. She has dedicated countless hours supporting Whitefish teachers, students, administrators and families, initially as president of the Whitefish PTA, and now as vice-president of the Whitefish Education Foundation.

Rossi serves on the board of directors for the North Valley Music School, which promotes the enrichment of our community through music education, appreciation and performance. She also volunteers for the Whitefish Band Boosters and Alpine Theatre Project, and is a former member of Soroptimist Whitefish.

A Texas native, Rossi grew up in Austin and graduated from the University of Texas. She spent most of her career working at large advertising agencies in Chicago and Dallas, and currently works for National Flood Services as a Marketing Manager.

Rossi’s family — husband of 20 years, Mike, and daughters, Kathryn and Lauren — moved to Whitefish from Dallas after a life-changing summer vacation. “Our trip to Whitefish started out as a typical vacation to escape the 100 plus degree Texas heat,” she said. “But when we experienced the lake, the mountains and, most importantly, the people in this town, we knew Whitefish was our new home.”

It didn’t take long for the Rossi family to assimilate to small town life. Mike, a CPA, recently opened a small business on Central Avenue, Whitefish Tax and Consulting. When not working, Mike loves playing golf at Whitefish Lake Golf Course. Daughters Kathryn and Lauren are actively involved in dance, local theater, church and music.

During the winter, Christine and her family enjoy skiing, and attending Winter Carnival events. In the summer, you’ll usually find the Rossi family playing tour guide for family and friends who come to visit.

Carnival festivities continue Saturday, Jan. 12 with the coronation of King Ullr LX and the Queen of the Snows at 5 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center downtown. A disco party is planned the same evening.

Princess Freya and Prince Frey will be named during half-time at the Bulldogs basketball game on Jan. 19 at Whitefish High School.

Skijoring is planned Jan. 26-27.

The main carnival events take place Feb. 1-3 including the Penguin Plunge, a pie social and Grand Parade. This year’s theme is “Woodstock Whitefish.”

For a complete list of activities, go to whitefishwintercarnival.com.