Greetings Yukoners,

It has been a fantastic year in the north so far as the 2011 Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Queen. I thought I would fill you in on some of the activities and events I’ve had the privilege to take part in so far this year.

My first duty as Queen was riding on the float in the Rendezvous Parade. Even though we were smiling and waving through gale force winds, it was great to see the community come out and wave back at us. A true testament to the Yukon spirit!

Attending the Vancouver Yukoner’s banquet in April was a real treat. Held at the River Rock Hotel and Casino, it brought together over 200 Yukoners and former Yukoners who meet each year to celebrate their time in the territory. The Rendezvous Team was given a very warm welcome and I felt honored to give a short speech following the Commissioner of the Yukon.

Attending the Commissioners Tea and Ball in Dawson City is an experience I will treasure for eternity. Enjoying cups of tea, tiny sandwiches and cakes in the sun outside such a historic and elegant building made me feel like I was in a movie. I was happy to be joined by the lovely First Princess, Cheryl Major. Later that day we switched out of our tea dresses and into our gowns and made our way to the Palace Grand for the ball. The Yukon is filled with friendly people and beautiful scenery, but what many people may not know is that has no shortage of infinitely skilled dancers as well. I think I managed to waltz around the ballroom with nearly every member of the legislative assembly. I truly felt like a Queen.

Walking dogs from the shelter in the Canada Parade, attending Frog Mountain Music Festival to help with the kids tent, hiking the Chilkoot Trail and working on ideas for the 2012 Queen Contest have rounded out the rest of my summer activities.

The golden trees and brisk mornings remind me it is autumn in the Yukon. In no time at all, we will be welcoming a new group of women into our sisterhood. I am so excited to meet the 2012 Queen Candidates and share with them what a wonderful experience becoming part of the Rendezvous Family is.

I love the theme of this year’s festival, “Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway” as I truly believe it is about the spirit of connectedness and bringing people together.

The 2011 court and I will be out and about in the coming weeks looking for new candidates. Please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself or come say hi!

See you soon and stay warm!

Caroline Carter

YSR Queen 2011.