By Shannon Lukens.
The 110th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival kicked off with Opening Ceremonies Wednesday night. Eight little princesses made their debut including 5-year-old Helene Wilder, who said what she likes best.
“Being so great. And it’s so cool and pretty.”
Grand Marshals are Doug and Susie Allen. From SSWSC: “Doug and Susie’s long-time commitment to the community, Steamboat Ski and Resort, and the SSWSC make them ideal Grand Marshals. The enhancements underway at the resort designed to transform the guest experience fulfill many of Doug’s dreams during his 35-year resort tenure. In addition, Susie’s decades of volunteerism to SSWSC events and the community throughout our many nonprofits in the valley reflect the spirit of shared involvement that make our valley the special place we call home.”
“It’s just nice to be recognized after all these years in Steamboat.”
“Doug and I are honored to be grand marshals this year. We have a long history with the Winter Sports Club and the ski area and it’s a great community event and we’re just pleased to be here.”
PJ Wharton with Yampa Valley Bank presented the Grand Marshals. SSWSC Executive Director Sarah Floyd said Yampa Valley Bank represents the spirit of the community that makes Steamboat Springs so special.
Winter Carnival Royalty is Alexa Brabec as queen with Noelle Roth and Tatum Lightner as attendants.
Recipients of the Joe and Sara Bishop Grand Marshal Memorial Scholarship are Ethan Maines and Izzy Powell. Philip Bishop, and his daughter Luciann were on hand to give it to them.
Joe and Sara Bishop were known for their generosity in the community. Joe used to carry $2 bills with him and give them to kids in local businesses. Here is his son, Philip.
“As you know, Joe Bishop used to run around town in Ace, Walmart, or whatever. He’d see little children running around and he’d always keep a few $2 bills in his wallet just so he could give them to kids and ask them if they were being nice and if they were minding their parents. If they said yes, he’d give them a $2 bill.”
Philip Bishop did what his father used to do. He passed out a stack of $2 bills to all of the Little Princesses and the royalty court and Opening Ceremonies.
And of course, the Lighted Man made an appearance to let everyone know he’ll be skiing down the face of Howelsen Hill on Saturday night.