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A red velvet cape may not be the first thing that comes to mind when conjuring up the image of an ambassador. But a red velvet cape is what the Taylors Falls Royal Lady of the Village traditionally dons for this weekend’s Lighting Festival, and the 2005 Royal Lady is an ambassador in every sense of the word.

Kirsten Anderson has only been living and working in Taylors Falls a few years but she is on a mission to bring a sense of promise to the rivertown she loves.

As Chamber of Commerce president for the past three years she has strived to enhance the business sector by building productive relationships and seeking out support for creating a thriving town.

Anderson is being recognized and feted for her work by being chosen Royal Lady for the 2005 Lighting Festival.

Taylors Falls annually selects a female member of the community as the Royal Lady of the Village. She leads the parade and is a focal point for happenings during the festival calendar and beyond. The lighting festival began 20 years ago. Royal Lady has been a tradition since 1989.

Of the festival, Anderson remarked that, “It’s magical, it is such a precious time in the city.”

Anderson owns and is the sole employee of The Natural Touch, a therapeutic massage and bodyworks enterprise at 424 Bench St.

She shares the She Shop boutique building.

She Shop owner LaVon Hanson remarked that The Natural Touch has been very complimentary to her operation, businesswise and on a personal note.

As the corporatization of America gallops on, Taylors Falls has doggedly tried to maintain its uniqueness and village spirit, relying on very active civilians making things happen. There are no paid professionals at city hall shepherding commerce into the city or soliciting outside funds. Taylors Falls’ future has long been in the hands of those who are care now.

Anderson said, “I never did anything with the intention of being recognized for it. This is really an honor.

“It’s all about community and important that we all work together, I want to give special credit to the group of people who have helped me, they are absolutely amazing, I could not have done any of it without them.”

A native of River Falls, Wisc. Anderson came to Taylors Falls to work at Equinox and then opened The Natural Touch. She is married to Jeremy Lindquist.



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The 150th anniversary of the Minnesota Historical Society -- Folsom House in Taylors Falls is being highlighted in this year’s ornament. It is a three-dimensional rendering of the Folsom House encircled by a wreath.

The profit from the first 200 of the ornaments sold benefit the Taylors Falls Chamber of Commerce. The ornaments are exclusive designs that revolve around an annual Lighting Festival theme and are highly collectible.

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