Nine candidates will compete in 2026 Kasson Ambassador Program
The Kasson Ambassador Program, previously Miss Kasson, has been a longstanding tradition for Kasson Festival in the Park. It is sponsored by Kasson Chamber of Commerce businesses and provides scholarships to students at Kasson-Mantorville High School who are between their Junior and Senior years. Candidates are evaluated on a written essay, two interviews, as well as their presence and participation throughout the Festival in the Park weekend. One of the interviews is with a panel of Kasson community members and the other before the Kasson Chamber of Commerce. The winners are then announced at the Kasson Ambassador Ceremony held in the park on Saturday evening of the Festival, starting their reign as Kasson Ambassador Court.
This year, nine candidates are running for the title of Kasson Ambassador. Each one is involved in the community, their respective school events, and are proud members of the Kasson-Mantorville community. You may recognize some or all of them as you are out and about in town.
Avery Hemann
Sponsored by: John Buckingham Realty
Parents: Jen & Justin Hemann
Looking Forward to Most at Festival 2026: It’s nearly impossible to choose what I’m most looking forward to at Festival in the Park because there are so many fun activities, vendors, and experiences, all while the whole community comes together. If I had to pick one favorite part, it would be the live music. There’s nothing better than spending a summer evening listening to great performances, catching up with friends, and ending the night with fireworks. I also look forward to the sidewalk chalk contest and the medallion hunt with my family. Some of my favorite traditions are getting henna with my sister, shopping throughout the park, watching the parade and the bellyflop contest, and going to the Fireman’s Dance. Festival in the Park is always one of the highlights of my summer.
Aubrey Quam
Sponsored By: Ready, Set, Learn
Parents: Jon & Erin Quam
Looking Forward to Most at Festival 2026: I look forward to the fireworks the most because they bring everyone together and all ages can enjoy.
Emma Engdahl
Sponsored By: The Main Alternative
Parents: Nick & Becky Engdahl
Looking Forward to Most at Festival 2026: I look forward to the parade the most because it is an opportunity for the entire community to come together. It shows the number of activities and the variety of businesses present in Kasson and the local area. I also love all the smiles seen throughout the parade route.
Eleanor Gore
Sponsored By: Scot Suess State Farm Insurance
Parents: Cristofer & Stephanie Gore
Looking Forward to Most at Festival 2026: During Kasson Festival in the Park, I most look forward to the events such as the parade, bellyflop contest, and so much more! I’ve enjoyed being involved in the parade throughout volleyball the past years, and watching the bellyflop contests since I was a kid has always been exciting. The Kasson Festival in the Park has always been something I look forward to because I’m never bored with all of the fun things to do.
Grace Roethler
Sponsored By: RISE PT & Health
Parents: Amy & Jeremy Roethler
Looking Forward to Most at Festival 2026: I look forward to meeting and connecting with new people!
Hannah Bjerke
Sponsored By: Mrs. Patty’s Sweet Treats
Parents: Christa Thompson & Ryan Bjerke
Looking Forward to Most at Festival 2026: I look forward to the parade and seeing my friends and family out and about at the festival. I also like to look at the sidewalk chalk and see the creativity of others.
McKayla Drenth
Sponsored By: Just Like Home SACC
Parents: Daniel & Aletha Drenth
Looking Forward to Most at Festival 2026: I really look forward to seeing the Kasson community all come together as well as celebrating alongside friends, family, and neighbors. I think it is always very special to see all ages come together to enjoy activities like the parade while also supporting the businesses there. I love this sense of community as well as all coming together in the end to watch the fireworks, which I always enjoy watching.
Madelaine Gore
Sponsored By: KMTelecom
Parents: Cristofer & Stephanie Gore
Looking Forward to Most at Festival 2026: In the Kasson Festival in the park I look forward to the belly flop contest because of the excitement and crowd that comes together. As well as the fireworks which are always a hit and the parade to close off the festival!
Sydney Swanson
Sponsored By: Hardware Hank
Parents: Joel & Tomi Swanson
Looking Forward to Most at Festival 2026: I’m excited to see the town come together and support each other at this year’s Festival in the Park. I also look forward to exploring the amazing small business booths this year.