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This time, last year, Taylor Thorvaldson was just stepping into one of the roles of the Chisago Lakes’ 2024 Karl Oskar Days Ambassadors; and although the whirlwind of experiences may be coming to an end this week as the 2025 Ambassadors takeover — her calendar is far from empty.  The local ambassador involvement led to her becoming involved in the Minneapolis Aquatennial and after that, who knows?

Thorvaldson is one of 44 candidates invited to try for the title of Queen of Lakes.  A meet the candidates event is July 24 at the Minneapolis City Center Rotunda and, later, all candidates get to ride in the Torchlight Parade, starting on the Nicollet Mall.

The selection of the Queen of Lakes and her two princesses is Saturday, July 27 at the University of Minnesota Ted Mann Concert Hall at 4 p.m. with a reception prior.

Taylor said she has so many “favorite parts” from her year with the KO Days ambassadors it is impossible to pick one absolute favorite.  She goes on to describe how the social aspect taught her so much and will stay with her.  Taylor is obviously a people person, who absorbs bits of information from each person she meets, and carries it with her, adding, “...(which) is such a cool thing to have.”

She also respects traditions and fosters a connected community.  She said she likes to showcase the town’s traditions to others and she certainly has the resume to back that up.  The teen has already volunteered for Lions waffle breakfasts, the Cadillac Dinner, did face painting at Harmony in the Park, and pitched in at turkey dinners at her church, the Living Nativity and outdoor music praise fest events,  and plans to do behind the scenes tasks on K.O. Days Ladies Night.

Her family has worked with her on a fundraising event to raise awareness of a hair loss disease called alopecie, which Taylor lives with.  She helps sign up sponsors and does T-shirt design, helps set up the event and promote it.

Her plans professionally include going to Pine Technical Community College to begin her nursing major. She has a certified nursing assistant license.  Taylor looks forward to working in the delivery room. She’s also going to keep putting in some hours at the ice cream shop in Lindstrom that her family owns.  And, not surprisingly, one day she can see herself running the Karl Oskar Days celebration.

FYI...want to send well wishes or flowers to Taylor?  The Aquatennial Ambassador Organization provided Hilton Garden Inn-University Area 511 Huron Boulevard, Mpls, MN 55414 as an address for items, please indicate AAO candidate on the delivery. Jandrich Floral in the Twin Cities is offering a 15 percent discount on orders for AAO candidates.

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