2027 Queen of the Snows Candidate Program
Be crowned Queen of the Snows.
Step into a legend Saint Paul has celebrated for generations, and represent the city you love at the coolest celebration on earth.
Apply to be Queen of the Snows, or a Wind Princess in her royal court. Applications close Sunday, November 1 at 11:59 pm.
Apply now
Looking for a different role? See all Legend Character applications
Application deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm
The legend, and your place in it
Every January, King Boreas rules Saint Paul's winter capital with Aurora, Queen of the Snows, at his side, until Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe storm the Ice Palace. Saint Paul has been bringing that story to life for generations, and every year it needs a new Queen.
This year, a new Queen of the Snows and her royal court of four Wind Princesses step into the story. It's a rare chance to be part of something much bigger than a single year, and it could be you.
What the year looks like
❄ Be crowned at the Royal Coronation on January 29, 2027
❄ Take part in the Coronation, the parades and the Overthrow of King Boreas across ten days of Carnival, with a stay at the headquarters hotel
❄ Make 200 to 300 appearances in your year of reign, at festivals, parades, schools and hospitals, some of them out of state
❄ Wear an official one-of-a-kind crown and sash, with wardrobe provided by the Ambassadors
❄ Join the Former Queens and Past Princess alumnae who mentor every new Royal Lady
❄ Meet thousands of people and build friendships that last well past your year
A year you'll never forget
Crowns, gowns and a Royal Coronation. For a whole year, you're the face of the coolest celebration on earth, with public appearances throughout the Carnival and all year long. You'll make friends who last, from the women in your royal court to the Former Queens and Past Princess alumnae who mentor every new Royal Lady. Along the way you'll grow as a leader with public-speaking training, take the stage at the Crowns & Gowns Fashion Show, and meet Saint Paul's business and community leaders.
Who can apply
You may be more qualified than you think.
Age
High school graduate, and at least 21 by January 15, 2027. There is no upper age limit.
Open to women
The program is open to women and anyone who identifies as a woman.
Anywhere
You don't need to live in Saint Paul.
No experience needed
No royalty experience required. Marital status, children and employment don't matter.
You won't do it alone
Each candidate has a sponsor, often a business or organization that wants to be part of the Carnival story. The $1,000 candidacy fee is covered by your sponsor and pays for event meals, candidate outfits, photos and transportation. Sponsors get year-round exposure and two tickets to the Royal Coronation and Dinner.
No sponsor yet? Apply anyway. The Foundation will help you find one, and sponsor checks aren't due until November 15. Selected Queens and Princesses also help fund their year in crown, and the Candidate Handbook explains how.
The Candidate Committee is your first point of contact, the Former Queens and Past Princess alumnae are there to mentor you, and your family is welcome at public events.
How to apply
1. Read the Candidate Handbook and FAQ.
2. Fill out the online application and include a resume of two pages or less, by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 1.
3. Line up your sponsor with the Pursuing a Sponsor guide. Sponsor checks are due November 15.
Start your application
Everything you need
Not the Queen of the Snows for you? There's still a place in the legend.
The Winter Carnival is also accepting 2027 applications for the Vulcan Krewe, Junior Royalty, Senior Royalty, the Order of the Royal Guard and Klondike Kate.