Edmunds County Tribune -

Just like a fairytale - Ipswich has a princess. Miss Ipswich 2020 Avery Sylte was crowned Princess of Summer at the 2020 South Dakota Snow Queen Festival on Saturday, Jan. 11 in Aberdeen.

The South Dakota Snow Queen Committee named four Princesses, one for each season before they crowned the 2020 Snow Queen.

The other 2020 winners were 2020 SD Snow Queen Chesney Olson of Langford, Princess of Spring Sheridan Swanson of Sisseton, Princess of Autumn Tianna Kohlus of Eagle Butte, and Princess of Winter Sydney Jessen of Miller. Faith Neil of Aberdeen was voted Miss Congeniality.

Avery said she will join the 2020 South Dakota Snow Queen and other Princesses at official events during her reign.

Her adventure began on Thursday morning, when the contestants gathered in the Ramkota in Aberdeen. Avery's roommate was Miss Miner County. The girls had a evening at Skate Away.

Friday included time for interviews with the judges. Each of the Snow Queens were asked to prepare a basket of items to highlight her hometown. Avery's basket featured items highlighting Ipswich's history.

Friday night was the Queen's Banquet and Ball. The Snow Queen contestants were joined by sponsors and their parents. Each girl answered a random question and explained their basket, Avery said.

Saturday they were surprised to be called back for more interviews, then they rehearsed for the Saturday night's event.

Each girl had a Snow Sister, an elementary-age girl. Saturday night they introduced their Snow Sisters and shared a "fun fact" about themselves for the audience.

So Ipswich's Snow Queen fairytale continues. Miss Ipswich 2019 Aleah Steger was crowned State Snow Queen a year ago. This year she crowned Miss Ipswich a Snow Queen Princess before she crowned her successor. Junior Miss Ipswich, Ashley Ptacek was chosen Junior Snow queen second runner-up last week.

Ipswich's Snow Queens are sponsored by the Ipswich Commercial Club.