Iola Winter Carnival selects 2023 royalty

By Holly Neumann

Malea Tessen has been chosen as the 2023 Queen of Snow for the Iola Winter Carnival.

“I like the idea of the Iola Winter Carnival and how much it means to the community,” she said. “I am truly honored to receive this recognition. It’s nice to know that my accomplishments are being seen by the community.”

Marge (Blanchard) Ertl, the 1974 Winter Carnival queen, crowned Tessen at the coronation ceremony.

“I think it’s neat that Marge was a part of this year’s event,” said Tessen, the daughter of Todd and Michelle Tessen. “I hope that I can come back and do that one day too.”

Tessen, a senior at Iola-Scandinavia High School, said she is thankful for the opportunity.

“It makes me feel special,” she said. “It was nice getting to meet new people and be a part of this great weekend.”