Founded in 1986, the Watertown Snow Queen Festival has been a cherished community tradition celebrating leadership, service, and the spirit of Watertown. Originally hosted by the Watertown Jaycees, the festival was established by Paul Reisch after he relocated from Aberdeen to join the Public Opinion. Having previously served as director of the South Dakota State Snow Queen Festival, Reisch envisioned bringing a similar celebration to Watertown—one that would honor young women while strengthening community pride and involvement.
Over the years, the festival has continued to grow through the dedication of passionate volunteers and community leaders. In 2015, Tracy Ronke and her family assumed leadership of the festival, preserving its traditions while helping it evolve for a new generation. Jennifer Harms became Festival Director in 2020, continuing the organization’s commitment to empowering young women and serving the Watertown community.
In 2022, the Watertown Area Snow Queen Festival became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This designation allows the festival to operate as a tax-exempt charitable organization while expanding opportunities for grants, charitable donations, and community partnerships. These resources help ensure the festival can continue making a lasting impact for years to come.
Today, every dollar raised directly supports the festival’s mission. Proceeds fund scholarships for the Snow Queen royalty, leadership development opportunities, and community engagement projects that inspire participants to give back while serving as ambassadors for Watertown throughout their reign.