Former Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes and Princesses
The following are but a few examples of how the Aquatennial experience has impacted the lives of the women who have represented the City of Minneapolis as goodwill ambassadors of the Minneapolis Aquatennial.
Vivian Hofstad, 1942 Queen of the Lakes
Vivian Hofstad Semple 1942 Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes
"My experience as a past ambassador for the Aquatennial was truly wonderful.At first it was overwhelming.There were so many new and unusual happenings in my life.All in all, it was a great growing experience for me.
The unexpected opportunities were many.Meeting important people - mayors, governors, businessmen and women - it was impressive.I had the opportunity to speak at various functions in and out of the city.As an ambassador, I wanted to be a better person; to somehow set an example."
Vivian Hofstad Semple
Karen Hegener, 1968 Queen of the Lakes
Karen Hegener Tangen 1968 Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes
“I have had a fantastic career and family!I owe so much to Aquatennial and the people in the organization!I learned to speak publicly through Aquatennial (500 speeches in one year!) and that has helped me enormously throughout my career.Aquatennial gave me confidence and aspirations.It pushed me in a positive way to expect more from myself.It was one of the best things that could have happened to a young woman.
There were always kind advisors and role models to help you as you learned to address the many audiences.They sent me to Europe. I rode in the Rose Bowl Parade, was on television with Pat Boone and Joey Bishop on New Year's Eve, visited Johnny Mathis at his home and gave him a rose bush, rode on a snowmobile with Peter Graves, etc.What a time . . . what an experience!The people are the best . . . kind, giving, first class, community oriented.What a great organization that I will forever be grateful to!They launched my life.Bless them!"
Karen Hegener Tangen, Ph.D.
Barbara Peterson, 1974 Queen of the Lakes
Barbara Peterson Burwell 1974 Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes 1975 Miss Minnesota 1976 Miss U.S.A.
"I cherish my Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes opportunity and memories.That magical year helped me to attain many subsequent goals in my life, school and professionally.The experience provided me with exposure to new people, travel, chances to develop special communication skills and scholarships toward my education.I am grateful to all the individuals, staff and volunteers, who touched my life during that glamorous year; many who have become life long friends.
The positive aspects of participating in the Minneapolis Aquatennial have intangible benefits for all participants, not just the Queen of the Lakes.It provides a stepping stone for college and experiences gained.The privilege of this title also creates lasting responsibilities.I believe one must be willing to give back time and talent after relinquishing the crown."
'To whom much is given, much is expected.'
Barbara Peterson Burwell
Becky Rear, 1979 Queen of the Lakes
Becky Rear Gleason 1979 Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes
"The year I spent as Queen of the Lakes was like opening a whole new window to the world for me.It was a once in a lifetime experience that enabled me to cultivate a sense of wonder about the world and the possibilities ahead for me in my life.
I have always felt fortunate to be born and raised in Minnesota, and it was an incredible honor for me to serve as an Aquatennial Ambassador. The unique opportunity to travel all over the United States and beyond our borders helped me to learn Americans are special because of the melding of cultures from all over the world. Every region of our country has its own flavor, yet they are united in that they are generous and caring, they love their families and their communities. From coast to coast, communities everywhere have the desire to come together to celebrate their special traditions and plant the seeds of hope for the future.
Perhaps most importantly, I was able to see first hand why Minnesota is respected for its friendly people and great quality of life.I learned to appreciate the contributions of the countless Minnesotans who volunteer their time and energy to build the vibrant, healthy communities that make our state a wonderful place to live.
On a personal level, my participation enabled me to expand my views and build the confidence that has allowed me to reach personal and professional goals. The lessons I learned about the value of community involvement and civic responsibility have continued to shape my life.
I proudly wore the crown of the Queen of the Lakes for one year, but the experience continues to enrich my life.I became part of the Aquatennial family - a family that welcomes me home to Minnesota every year."
Becky Rear Gleason
Sandra Polesky, 1987 Queen of the Lakes
Sandra Polesky Brinkman 1987 Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes
"It is difficult to know where to begin describing how my year as Queen of the Lakes impacted my life. I came to the Aquatennial in the summer of 1986 as a little 'farm girl' from Sleepy Eye, a community of 3500. Within that year, I went from 'farm girl' to 'Aquatennial Queen,' traveling coast to coast and beyond the borders to Australia, Japan, California, Oregon, Texas, Florida and more. It was the most remarkable year of travel, meeting new people, learning different cultures and witnessing first hand the gift of volunteerism and giving back to your community.
Though my travels were extensive, some of my proudest memories come from attending Minnesota community festivals - communities celebrating their heritage and the people living there. The year brought me maturity, opened my eyes to the world around me, and strengthened many personal and professional skills. It also allowed me the opportunity to travel with some amazing people within the Aquatennial organization, forming a loving, continued relationship with my fellow ambassadors, people I call family. Even though I do not live in the Minneapolis area, each year I make it a priority to attend 'the 10 Best Days of Summer' in some capacity. Whether it's the queen's coronation, Admiral or Past Queen Luncheon, or one of the many community events, I find attending these events makes me feel surrounded by 'family.' It really is a remarkable group of people, and I am glad to be a part of it."
Sandra Polesky Brinkman
Emily Aus, 2000 Queen of the Lakes
Emily Aus 2000 Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes
"I am so thankful for the chance I had to be an ambassador for the Aquatennial.It was a year packed with adventures and experiences that helped me grow. I traveled to every corner of Minnesota for parades and coronations. There are not very many things that are more amazing then when a simple wave and smile is reciprocated by thousands of people! As ambassadors, we visited dozens of communities and people were always so excited to see and welcoming of the Aquatennial.
I am the only Queen of the Lakes to have made TWO trips to Japan during a reign. And there was another BIG first in 2000. Donna Erickson became the first female President of the Aquatennial. The two of us teamed up for one of those trips to Japan. We had a wonderful visit to Ibaraki, Japan as representatives of Minneapolis to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Minneapolis and Ibaraki. It was amazing. Japan is a world away and after visiting twice, I have learned that festivals can transcend language and cultural barriers, and that can be the best way to foster a long-lasting relationship with new people.
I took time off of college to focus on my duties as Queen.I am glad I did, because I learned more about the world through my Aquatennial travels than I did in any semester in college.The ambassadorship was a marathon of parades, public speaking engagements and networking. The experience sharpened my communication skills and gave me the confidence I needed to move forward with a career in television broadcasting."
Emily Aus
Lisa Carlson, 2001 Queen of the Lakes
Lisa Carlson 2001 Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes
"The year I spent traveling on behalf of the Aquatennial promoting volunteerism and celebrating community was one of the best years of my life. I met fascinating people and traveled to some of the most wonderful places. But the lasting impact that Aquatennial has had on my life is much more than fond memories from those travels. My experience as Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes was a huge turning point in my life. At the time, I was studying at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and uncertain of what career to pursue. Upon moving to Minneapolis, Denny Schulstad, a former Aquatennial Commodore and President, helped me arrange informational interviews which ultimately led to an internship at a well-known public relations agency. I am certain that I - a small town girl with no connections - would not have been able to get my foot in the door and grow my network, had it not been for the help and guidance of Denny and other members of the Aquatennial family.
Beyond boosting my career, the Aquatennial also gave me a large group of lifelong friends some of which are in my closest circle of confidants. I know they would not be in my life today had I not met them through Aquatennial. I am very fortunate to be a member of the Aquatennial family and I look forward to continuing my volunteer involvement."
Lisa Carlson
Jessica Gaulke, 2007 Queen of the Lakes
Jessica Gaulke Rainey 2007 Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes
"When crowned the Minneapolis Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes, my life was to be forever changed.I have been changed by the brilliant people that are a part of the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization and the past ambassador groups.These people have taught me what it takes to be a lifelong ambassador of 'The 10 Best Days of Summer.'
During my six months as Queen of the Lakes, I learned so much, from how to interact and communicate with large audiences, to giving every last bit of time and effort to volunteer for a good cause.These are lessons that are not taught in textbooks, but through the experiences Aquatennial offers to their ambassadors.
I am so thankful, beyond words, to have had the opportunity to represent an amazing ambassador organization, 'The 10 Best Days of Summer,' and the City of Minneapolis.I will forever cherish the memories I have made with the help of so many others."
