MEET THE COURT
Click on the names to see their photo)
The Winter Carnival celebration begins with the coronation of the King and Queen of the Winter Carnival - local citizens who have been chosen for their substantial contributions to the well-being of the Saranac Lake community through their volunteer work. The King and Queen will be announced during the Coronation.
2023 Winter Carnival Court Biographies
King - marty rowley
Marty Rowley- Our 2023 Winter Carnival King was born in Ft. Worth, Texas. He graduated High School from Huntington High School on Long Island. He attended St. John’s University, SUNY Stoney Brook and New York University of Technology. He has resided in Saranac Lake for approximately nineteen years. His work history includes being a high school teacher at Cold Spring Harbor High School and an adjunct professor at Hofstra University. His volunteer activities include Adirondack Habitat for Humanity, The Community Store, Historic Saranac Lake, ORDA, The FISU games, IPW local 101, Adirondack Carousel and The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee. His favorite volunteer activity was being part of Village Moving Brigade-moving merchandise for Ampersound and Mark Kurtz Photography. He was awarded the Citizen of the year in 2018 and received the Don Duso Ice Palace Award in 2020. His hobbies include building, woodworking, canoeing, traveling and helping others. He has four daughters, one step daughter, three brothers one sister and his Life Partner Sue Abbot-Jones.
Queen - patti ploof
Patti Ploof- Our 2023 Winter Carnival Queen was born in Saranac Lake and graduated from Saranac Lake High School
Her work experiences included working for the 1980 Governors Commission, The I love New York Program (Located at that time in Lake Placid), New York State Division of Parole and New York State Department of Correctional Services Adirondack Correctional Facility retiring after 37 years of service.
Her volunteer activities included Girl Scouts of AmericaTroop Leader, Saranac Youth Soccer Association coordinator, Mt. Pisgah host patrol, Mountains in Motion as a backstage mom, PAL Football Cheerleading Coach, Make a difference day working with the Tri-Lakes Humane Society on the Haunted Trail Fundraiser. and over 42 years volunteering with Holiday Helpers. Fundraiser for March of Dimes and American Cancer Society.
Her hobbies include reading, sewing, walking, cooking. She is ahuge fan of thriller movies.
She is the daughter of Kim and Betty, sister to Betsy, Kim and the late Christine. She is married to Michael. She has two children, a son Eban and his wife Kaitlyn and a daughter Mikayla. She is Mimi to Madilyn and Gwyneth.
Our 2023 Winter Carnival Queen is Patti Ploof.
Grand Marshals - Kathy & Roger Steinbrueck
Kathy and Roger Steinbrueck- Kathy & Roger have been an important part of the community for many years. If you have ever admired the flower baskets hung every summer on the downtown streets, you know that Kathy & Roger were involved. Kathy & Roger met in Europe while pursuing their love of traveling. They were married there and their Son Sean was born there. They moved to Saranac Lake in 1979 and knew they had found their forever place! The people, the outdoor beauty, the history & the vibrant community are a few of the reasons they stayed. Roger was the executive chef for The Lake Placid Hilton during the 1980's and Kathy worked at Don's Florist & Scotts Florist. They purchased Scotts Florist in 1990 and relocated the business to Woodruff St in 1994 and immediately became involved in the downtown Saranac Lake Community. Kathy has been on the board of Pendragon Theater, The Youth Center and The Ecumenical Council and currently serves on the Downtown Advisory Board. Roger has served on the board of The Youth Center, is currently on The Village Improvement board and participates with the plantings of the VIS parks. They enjoy cooking, all outdoor activities, traveling and are crazy about playing pickle ball! They are committed to the Saranac Lake Community and the beautification of our Village. We look forward to a great winter carnival with The Steinbrueck's as our Grand Marshal's!
Archbishop - Janet Ordway
Janet Ordway- Born in Saranac Lake and raised in Onchiota, Janet spent her time growing up horseback riding, canoeing, camping, and snowmobiling with her many cousins. She graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1977. She and her husband of 31 years, Ron, still live in Onchiota with their son, Chad. After 20 years in banking, Janet worked at Bloomingdale Elementary School as a cook for 10 years. She enjoyed seeing and interacting with the students every day. For the last 7 years she has worked at Saranac Lake High School as a monitor. Now, she has the pleasure of seeing and interacting with those same Bloomingdale students, watching them graduate and become young adults. She still enjoys being active in her free time, enjoying quilting, biking, and gardening, or just spending time with her family. She was honored to be offered the position of Archbishop and wishes everyone a happy carnival.
Chamberlain - Diana Schwartz
Diana Schwartz - Born in Quincy, Illinois. She met her husband, John, in Arizona and they were married in October of 1983. It was John's love of the North Country that moved them to the Adirondacks on New Year's Eve 1987. They have two amazing daughters, Sara and Becky, who graduated from Saranac Lake High School. Sara had the privilege to be part of the 2004 Winter Carnival Court. She also has 5 grandchildren, Colden, Lydia, Huxley, River and Nora, who she adores and can't wait to spend more time with them when she retires. She has been working at Saranac Lake High School since October of 2006. Diana has spent many years coaching either, volleyball, softball and soccer within the Saranac Lake schools. She loves riding her bike, quilting and spending time with her grandkids. Diana was shocked and surprised when asked to be this year's Winter Carnival Chamberlain and is thankful for the opportunity to spend time with these amazing students. She wishes everyone a happy and safe time "Roman around Carnival."
Princess - Betzaida Harris
Betzaida Harris - Betzaida is from Bronx, NY, the daughter of Saxon & Tiana Harris, and the older sister of Daquan & Jaxon. She graduated from Pace High School in the Bronx and is now a student at Paul Smiths College, with majors in Business Management and Psychology. She expects to graduate in November of 2023. Betzaida volunteers with the Manhattan Bowery Mission in the soup kitchen and with the Saranac Lake Adult Center helping wherever she is needed. Her hobbies include yoga, going for walks and traveling. Future plans include obtaining a graduate degree and doing lots of traveling.
Prince - Keith Vivlamore
Keith Vivlamore - Keith was raised in Red Creek, NY the son of Tammie & Jerry Vivlamore and brother to Aaron. He is a graduate of Red Creek Central School and is currently a student at North County Community College pursuing a Liberal Arts Degree with plans to graduate in May 2023.
Keith volunteers as a youth soccer coach and his hobbies include soccer, pond hockey, hiking and exploring new areas. His future plans are to pursue a four-year degree in Psychology.
Kailyn Lee Mader-Kailyn is the daughter of Ruth and Michael Mader and the younger sister to Dylan, Madelyn and Gwendalyn. She participates in several sports such as soccer, Nordic skiing and lacrosse. She is currently Vice President and has been a class officer for all 4 years. She performs in the spring musicals, plays the drum set in Jazz Band, is a member of Women’s Vocal Ensemble, Student Council, National Honor Society and key club. She’s volunteered for the Iron Man and works at the Adirondack Popcorn Store in Lake Placid. Kailyn is very honored to be selected for this year’s court and hopes that everyone has a fun time “Roman Around Carnival!”
Nicholas Garwood Munn-Nicholas is the son of Bryan and Kara Pandolph Munn, and the great-grandson to Chuck Pandolph the first local King of Winter Carnival. He is the brother to older sister Madelynn, older brother Benjamin, and twin brother Brayden. Nicholas is a student in the New Vision Education program, and hopes to teach the next generation. Nicholas is a 3 sport athlete participating in football, hockey and baseball. In his free time, Nicholas enjoys hanging out with his friends and being with his family and pets. Nicholas is excited to represent his family and this great tradition, and hopes everyone has a fun and safe Carnival!
Couple #2
Chloe Lynn Skiff- Chloe is the daughter of Cory Skiff and Carrie Reardon, and is the 3rd youngest to her seven siblings. She is a 5 year varsity athlete competing in soccer and track and field. She gives back to her community by volunteering at the local Civic Center and the hospital. She plans to attend college in the fall for health services and continue her career in soccer. Chloe is honored to be part of the Winter Carnival Royal Family and is very thankful for this opportunity. She wishes everyone a safe and happy “Roman” Carnival!
Harrison Jude Carlisto-Harrison is the son of Angela and Donald Carlisto. Harrison is a middle child placed between his younger brother Nash and older brother Jackson. Harrison has been a member of the Saranac Lake Rescue Squad since 2019 and he earned his EMT certification in September 2022. Harrison is a 3 year varsity athlete playing soccer and tennis. Harrison likes to give back to his community by volunteering at the Iron-man, rugby weekend and also riding with the Saranac Lake Rescue Squad. Harrison plans to go to college in the fall and pursue a teaching degree. He would like to thank his peers for selecting him to be on the court and hopes all enjoy this year’s Winter Carnival.
Couple #3
Ryen Ashliegh Kidder-Ryen is the daughter of Dean and Tonita Kidder and is the 4th daughter of eight children. Ryen is a 4 year track athlete. Ryen grew up playing soccer and also took up dance. She is a member of key club, student council and yearbook. She has also been a student board representative for the past two years. She plans on attending college this fall and is honored to be a member of this year’s court. She hopes everyone has a fun and exciting Winter Carnival.
Mitchell Robert Ellsworth- Mitchell is the son of Cy and Vickie Ellsworth and younger brother to Zach. He is a 3 season varsity athlete participating in indoor/outdoor track and football where he is a captain. Mitchell is also the president of the class of 2023, key club and National Honor Society. He currently is involved in New Vision Education and looks forward to a career as a teacher and administrator. Mitchell wishes everyone a fun and fantastic Carnival!
Couple #4
Karlie Elizabeth Goetz-Karlie is the daughter of Brian and Tracy Goetz and older sister of Zackary. Karlie is a 4 year, 3 season athlete playing soccer, hockey and softball. Karlie is involved in key club and volunteers with the American Red Cross blood drive in our community. Karlie is a part of the New Visions Education Program and plans to attend college in the fall. Karlie is honored to be nominated for the 2023 Winter Carnival Court and wants everyone to have a fun and safe Winter Carnival.
Morgan Albert Martin-Morgan is the son of Mike and Amy Martin and the younger brother to Wyatt, and the older brother to Sadie, Tess and Josie. Morgan is a 4 year 3 season athlete competing in varsity cross country, Nordic skiing and track and field. Morgan enjoys volunteering with National Honor Society and Scout Troop 12. After high school Morgan hopes to study adolescence education in college. Morgan is grateful for the opportunity to be on the 2023 Winter Carnival Court and hopes everyone has a wonderful Carnival.
Couple #5
Vella Irene Cook-Vella is the daughter of Ami Mott and Scott Cook and the sister to Isaak and Hunter. Vella plays soccer in the fall and was named one of the captains this past season. Vella skis during the winter while also teaching ski lessons at Mt. Pisgah and plans to play softball in the spring. Vella has also participated in both key club and yearbook club. In the fall Vella plans to attend college to further her education. Vella is honored and excited to be a part of this year’s winter carnival court and wishes everyone a great Carnival.
Owen Daniel Maiore-Owen is the son of Daniel and Mandi Maiore, older brother to Olive and Finnian and younger brother to Ruby. Owen is a 4 year athlete competing in varsity basketball, track and co captaining the varsity soccer team for 2 years. Owen is a part of the New Visions Education program and enjoys working with the youth of his community. Owen hopes to continue his education and play soccer at the collegiate level. Owen is appreciative of his peers for being chosen to represent his class on the winter carnival court and hopes everyone has a memorable Carnival.
Couple #6-Court Spokespeople
Jacquelyn Jade Kielau-Jacquelyn is the daughter of Jennifer Kufeldt and the younger sister to Evan. In school Jacquelyn is the secretary of her class, secretary of the student council, the social media coordinator for key club, as well as a member of the National Honor Society and Woman’s Ensembles. Jacquelyn attends the BOCES cosmetology program and will get her license in late spring. She plans to further her education in criminal justice psychology. In her free time she enjoys getting together with friends and family, reading and baking. Jacquelyn is very thankful to have been chosen for this year’s Winter Carnival court and hopes everyone has an amazing time.
Sam Alan Ash-Sam is the son of Shane and Ashley Ash, and older brother of Addison and Anah. Sam is a 4 year, 3 sport athlete who loves running competitively as a captain of the cross-country and outdoor track teams, as well as a proud captain of the Nordic ski team in the winter. Sam also participates in the Men’s Ensemble and Jazz band and is an officer in the National Honor Society. Sam plans on attending college in the fall to further his running and educational career. Sam wishers everyone a most jubilant Carnival!
Couple #7-Attendants to the King and Queen
Annelise Justine Dramm-Annislise is the daughter of Cecily and Ara Dramm, and the sister of Helena Dramm. Annelise is a dancer at the Lake Placid School of dance, she has also been taught ballet, modern and jazz dance styles by EMERGE125 and the American Ballet Theatre. She is the President of Student Council and co-president of National Honor Society. Annelise plans to pursue a higher education in journalism and public relations to further her passion for writing. She is incredibly honored and excited to be a part of the 2023 Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a wonderful Winter Carnival!
Brayden Charles Munn- Brayden is the son of Bryan and Kara Pandolph Munn, brother of older sister Madelynn, older brother Ben, and twin brother Nicholas who is also part of the court this year. He is a 4 year 3 season athlete who also participates in the New Visions Education program, which he loves. Brayden plans to study music in college, as he plays the piano and drums and loves to make music. His family has been a part of the court for many years and he is excited and proud to have been chosen by his peers. Brayden wishes everyone a happy and fun Carnival.
