Royal Court 2026

Our 2026 Winter Carnival King is heavily involved in our community. He has been described by many as kind, caring, cheerful, great sense of humor, quiet leadership, joy in giving, and willingness to help. He’s been a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, Saranac Lake Youth soccer coach, member of Northern Lights and St. Bernard’s choirs. He is a dedicated volunteer for Holiday Helpers, University Games, Ironman, Salvation Army Bell Ringer, 3P races, ORDA and the Paul Smiths Visitors Interpretive Center.

Milt is a 29 year member of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee, serving as a trustee on the Executive Board, Chairperson for the fireworks, Co-Chair of the Grand Marshall Reception, Ice Palace Host, and can be found volunteering more of his time wherever it is needed during carnival. As a long-standing member of IPW 101, he ensures he gets the most glamorous position there is - Slush Pit!!

Our new King attended SUNY Alfred and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He was born in Colonial Heights, Virginia, to Earl and Winifred, along with his 3 brothers, Earl, Bill and Dan. He is husband to Christine and father to Matthew and Jacob. Our 2026 Winter Carnival King is Milt Adams.

Our 2026 Queen was born and raised in the Adirondacks; she grew up in Elizabethtown and graduated from the Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School in 1968. Our Queen moved to Saranac Lake when she enrolled in the North Country Community College nursing program, and she was a member of the first graduating Practical Nursing Class. This is also around the time that she took notice of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival – in February 1971, she and several members of her nursing class entered a float in the parade (check out the History Hut for a picture of the 1971 NCCC float).

Wanting to move back to the Adirondacks, her husband (who was working for New York Telephone), accepted a transfer back to Saranac Lake and the family settled in Bloomingdale. Upon their return, our Queen started volunteering with the American Red Cross to meet people, and also went to work full time in one of our local medical practices – working for that practice for 25 years. In 1983 our Queen joined the Saranac Lake Women’s Bowling Association, sat on the Board for 30 years, and upon merging with the Northern Adirondack USBC, she now sits on that Board as Director.

While having lunch one day, her dear friend, Katy Fobare, asked our Queen to volunteer to serve as “Sarah the Snowy Owl,” for the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival – she accepted and continued that service for 23 years. Around the same time, our Queen, her husband, and many other wonderful community members established the Saranac Lake 5^th Quarter Club in support of our local high school football teams.

In 1998 she was asked to join the Saranac Lake Women of the Moose, Chapter 1909. She will tell you it was one of the best decisions she ever made – she has served in every Chair position and earned all possible Degrees. From 2014 to 2015 she was appointed Women of the Moose Deputy Grand Regent for New York State – overseeing two State Conventions for the Women of the Moose that year.

In 1998 our Queen also joined the Saranac Lake American Legion Auxiliary Unit 447, she sits on the Board of Officers as Secretary/Treasurer. She also is a member of the Franklin County American Legion Auxiliary, sitting on the Board of Officers as 1^st Vice President. In 2022, our 2026 Queen was honored with the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Trudeau Award.

After marrying her best friend, Dick, in August of 1971, the two now have three wonderful children, Andrea, Rick, and Renee – and daughter-in-law Maria; six beautiful grandchildren, Chloe, Amya, Tristanna, Payton, Lucas, and Mckynlie; and, one Great grandson, Beckett.

Our 2026 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Queen is Nancy Hurteau!

Sara is the Earth and Space Science teacher at Saranac Lake High School. She enjoys teaching science as well as being involved in student council, outdoor club and advising the sophomore class. She’s proud to be part of the Red Storm community!

She has two young daughters and a loving husband who always want to spend more time outdoors as a family. She and her family enjoy many outdoor recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and floating on the lake in summer. She enjoys traveling, finding new adventures and meeting new people along the way.

Sara grew up in Saratoga and came north for college. She got a BS in Geology and a master’s in education from SUNY Plattsburgh. She came to her first Winter Carnival in 2003 and fell in love with the spirit and joy the event brings. She loves to participate in many of the carnival activities and always has a costume ready to go! She’s thrilled to be a part of the 2026 Winter Carnival and looks forward to all the festivities.

Vanessa Pillen has been a proud resident of Saranac Lake for nearly 13 years - almost to the day - and is beyond honored and absolutely thrilled to serve as Archbishop for the 2026 Winter Carnival Court.

After honeymooning in the Adirondacks in 2006, Vanessa and her husband, John, knew without a doubt that this was where they wanted to live and raise a family. While it took about seven years for all the pieces to fall into place, their dream came true 13 years ago when they moved to Saranac Lake with their firstborn, who was just six months old at the time.

Fittingly, Winter Carnival was the very first event happening when they arrived, and it could not have been a more perfect welcome home. The contagious enthusiasm, deep love of community and even the chilly weather confirmed what they already knew to be true - this was the place to put down roots.

Now approaching their 20th wedding anniversary, Vanessa and John are raising their six children - Nellie, JJ, Lanie, Thea, Rosie and Essie in the village they are grateful to call home.

As co-owner of The Dance Sanctuary, Vanessa is a fearless advocate for movement, music, and spontaneous dance breaks.

When she's not cheering on dancers or building community, she's proving that joy, rhythm, and a little sparkle make Saranac Lake shine year-round.

If dancing is happening-Vanessa supports it. If it's not-she's probably starting it.

Vanessa wishes everyone a happy, safe and dance-filled Winter Carnival, overflowing with joy, gratitude and celebration of the incredible community that makes Saranac Lake so special.

Connor Howell is this year’s Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Prince. He is from Wantage, New Jersey, son of Clark and Victoria Howell. He has two brothers, his identical twin William, and his younger brother Jack. Connor is a Senior at Paul Smiths College, majoring in Ecological Forest Management. He is President of PSC’s Student Government Association, Secretary of their Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, and a Head Resident Assistant for Residence Life. He is also a volunteer firefighter and trustee for the Colesville Fire Company when he is back home. He is a team member on the Delaware Water Gap’s High Angle Rescue Team for the National Park Service. Connor has been a wildland firefighter for seven seasons, working on hand crews, engines and helicopters. In his free time he loves hiking, skiing, rock climbing, fishing and karate. While he hasn’t made definite plans for life after college, he is confident he will be fighting fires until the day he dies! Connor is excited to be representing Paul Smiths College for Winter Carnival.

Ella Rejiba is this year’s Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Princess. She is from Halifax, England, the daughter of Mary Rejiba and younger sister of her brother Ryan. She is a sophomore at North Country Community College majoring in Criminal Justice. Ella is a member of NCCC’s Women’s Soccer Team, serving as Captain Fall 2025. She has volunteered with youth soccer teams and has supported elderly community members throughout her life. After graduating from NCCC, Ella plans on transferring to a four year institution to earn her Bachelor’s Degree and continue competing in collegiate soccer. She is excited to represent NCCC for the 2026 Winter Carnival.

Payton is the daughter of Mark and Kara Bomyea and is thrilled to be a part of this year's Winter Carnival Court. She is an only child and is a Senior company member at the local Dance Sanctuary. Payton is also proud to call herself the co-president of the National Honor Society. Born and raised in Saranac Lake, she has always loved the activities and social atmosphere Winter Carnival brings. After high school, Payton plans on attending college to become an Environmental Scientist. She enjoys spending time with loved ones and is excited to make memories that will last a lifetime.

David is the son of Wayde and Carol Montroy, brother to Kathleen and the grandson of Karen Montroy and Judy Smith. David is a three sport athlete, competing in football, hockey and lacrosse. He has been participating in Saranac Lake’s football programs since he was five years old and was a waterboy for the varsity and jv teams from when he was in 2^nd

grade until he was on the team himself. He is currently enrolled in the AEC Natural Resource Science program. Since he was 11years old, David has been helping multiple neighbors with house and yard work in his free time. He hopes to further his education in welding while also pursuing his athletic career of football or lacrosse in college. He hopes everyone stays warm and has the best winter carnival ever.

Maddy is the daughter of Jen and Rich Stavenhagen, and older sister to Henry. Maddy plays soccer and runs track. She is also a member of Key Club and National Honor Society. Maddy was a page in 2017 and is excited to be a part of the Royal family again. Maddy plans to attend college in the fall for environmental science. She is proud to be a part of Winter Carnival Court and would like to wish everyone a happy carnival!

Lukas is the son of Kristaps and Karen Miemis and brother to Will and Sam. Lukas is a three sport athlete, and is an active member of National Honor Society and Key Club. He previously served as a Winter Carnival page in 2017. Following graduation, Lukas plans to attend college and study Mechanical Engineering. He is honored to be selected for this year's Winter Carnival Court.

Essie is the daughter of Sara and Paul Ames and older sister to Dallas. Essie dances in the fall and skis in the winter. She sings for women's ensemble and volunteers for Key Club while also working at the Book Store Plus. Essie plans on attending college out west in the fall where she hopes to study film and surf. Essie was a page in 2017 and is honored to be back in the Winter Carnival family. She wishes everyone a fabulous carnival!

Ethan is the son of Christopher and Kate-Lyn Knight and older brother to Ryan and Emily and grandson to Patricia O’Keefe. Ethan is a 3 sport Varsity athlete, participating in soccer, hockey and baseball. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Select Men’s Vocal Ensemble. When he is not on the field or the ice you can catch him on the sidelines pursuing his sports photography passion, capturing shots of other SLHS teams. He hopes to study Business with a focus in Sports Management in college and is happy to represent this year’s Winter Carnival Court alongside his peers.

Ellie is the daughter of Joshua and Jessica Willett. Ellie has some deep roots in Saranac Lake coming from the Willett and Trummer families. Ellie is the sister to former 2024 Winter Carnival Court member Evan and has a younger brother Elias. Ellie has been a 4 year 3 sport athlete playing soccer, basketball and softball. Along with being busy with sports, Ellie has worked at Casa del Sol and currently at River Trail along with teaching line dancing. Ellie enrolled in FEH Boces last year entering in the first year of the Law Enforcement program. Ellie plans on attending college in the fall where she will continue in the Criminal Justice field. Ellie has many friends and family that she would like to thank for all their support throughout the years. Ellie is very excited to be on the Winter Carnival Court and hopes that everyone has an amazing Carnival.

Ebin is the son of Luke and Kristin Meissner, brother of Max and grandson to Klaus and Lisa Meissner and Bob and Janet Myers. Out of school, Ebin enjoys to run, ski, and participate in a diverse array of musical activities. Ebin plans on attending college for music education and also participating in a college cross country team. Ebin would like to thank his family for always supporting him through thick and thin as well as his many musical mentors for pushing him to be his best!

Olive is the daughter of Mandi and Dan Maiore. Younger sister of Ruby and Owen, and older sister to Finn. Olive dances with the Dance Sanctuary and does Jazz. She is also a member of Key Club and National Honor Society. Olive plans to attend college in the fall for Marketing and Fashion Design. She is excited to be a part of the 2026 Winter Carnival Court alongside her friends.

Mikkel is the son of Erika and Jeff Denkenberger. Younger brother to Sabine and older brother to Emmerich. Mikkel is a 3 sport athlete playing Soccer, Basketball and Lacrosse. Mikkel plans to attend college in the fall and study business. He is excited to be a part of the 2026 Winter Carnival Court and he wishes everyone a Happy Carnival.

Raiana, daughter of Jermey Baumann and Stefanee Niederbuhl is thrilled to be part of this year’s Winter Carnival Court. She has three siblings, Zachary, Alexis and Harper. Raiana is involved in indoor and outdoor track, serves as Vice President of Student Council, and is a proud member of Key Club and the National Honor Society. After high school, Raiana plans to attend college for nursing and eventually pursue a career as a nurse anesthesiologist. Born and raised in Saranac Lake, she has always loved the excitement and tradition of Winter Carnival. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, and is excited to make fun memories with fun people during this year’s Winter Carnival. She wishes everyone a happy carnival!

Scottie is the son of Scott and Suzanne and the older brother to Mackaid and James. Scottie plays football, hockey and lacrosse. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Spanish Club. After high school Scottie hopes to play lacrosse in college and become an engineer.

Ally is the daughter of Jason and Meehan Bourgeois and the older sister of Cole. She participates in several sports, including cross country, indoor and outdoor track. Ally is President of her class and Co-President of the National Honor Society, as well as a member of the Women’s Vocal Ensemble, Key Club, Student Council and the Spring Musical. She is currently in the New Visions Health program and plans to attend college in the fall to study Health Sciences. Ally is honored to be selected for this year’s court and wishes everyone a wonderful Winter Carnival.

Gerald is the son of Timothy Woodruff and Rebecca Canfield. Gerald is a 4 year 3 season athlete, playing soccer, hockey and lacrosse. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Student Council as well as the Class of 2026 treasurer. Gerald is the nephew of 2020 Winter Carnival Queen, Nancy Heath and cousin to former court members Allycia and Kaileigh Woodruff. Gerald plans on attending college in the fall, majoring in Criminal Justice. Gerald would like to thank all of his family and friends for their support and looks forward to making many memories with the 2026 Winter Carnival Court.