Hey Everyone - My name is Carrie Wintle, and on June 16 a dream that was 10 years in the making came true. I was crowned Miss South Dakota. I barely slept the first night of this 365 day adventure. The morning after I was crowned I had breakfast with several of my Miss South Dakota sisters. Overwhelmed with emotion, I cried during the entire breakfast. For years I have admired so many Forever Miss South Dakotas, and now I am one of them. It is surreal.
On Monday morning I picked up my new Toyota RAV4 from Hills Edge Auto in Hot Springs. My little fireball red car is not only a perfect reflection of my haircolor, but also my alma mater, USD (GO YOTES). I decided to name her Rosie for two reasons. First, and the most obvious, she is red. Second, as the last Miss SD crowned in Hot Springs, I wanted to name my travelling companion for the year after the first Miss SD crowned in Hot Springs - Roselyn. Before driving home, I made a pitstop in Rapid City at Robert Sharp & Associates, who sponsored an advertisement for me in the Miss SD program book this year.
Immediately when I got home, I wanted to find my sashes from every title I held over this 10 year journey. There is so much grit, perserverence, and heart depicted in those sashes. From Miss SD Outstanding Teen 2008 to Miss South Dakota 2018 - what a ride (and it isn't over, YET).
Next up was an interview with Keloland Living in Sioux Falls with, none other than my Miss SD sister, Carol Nesbitt. We talked about the organization, my year ahead as Miss SD, and the big move to Brookings next year. Later that day I took crown shots with Evan's Gallery. It was a glam-filled afternoon with the master himself, Rod. Stay tuned for official crown shots.
Friday I stopped through Huron to greet contestants arriving for the National Junior High School Rodeo Finals. There are over 1100 contestants at the State Fair grounds this week from all over the world - even Hawaii and Austrailia. As the new Miss South Dakota, it was an honor to welcome hard-working youth to gracious state and my hometown. Note to self - For future outdoor appearances do NOT forget the sunscreen.
Saturday morning I made my way to Spearfish to sign autographs and take pictures at Kenadi's Karnival. The carnival is a fundraiser for the Kenadi Jean Weis foundation whose mission is to assist children with special needs and their families achieve fullfilled lives. One of the most exciting parts of this year is meeting so many different people across South Dakota, and Kenadi's Karnival was a perfect place to do just that. Later that day, I met up with Sally and Daryl Isburg. They have a neighbor with two grandchildren, whom I was lucky enough to meet. Willa and Anna were energetic and fearless. They know how to light up a room.
Sunday morning I was off to Pierre for the Trappers Game. I threw the first pitch. Spoiler alert - they may or may not be recruiting me as their next pitcher. My dear sister queen and friend, Annie, joined me at the game and blew the crowd away with her vocal performance of the National Anthem. I couldn't leave Pierre without stopping at my favorite ice cream shop in South Dakota, Zesto.
As I wrap up this week's Miss SD update, I want to thank my hometown of Huron and Iroquois. My community has shown an outpouring of love and support that takes my breath away. What an honor to represent the state of South Dakota. Special shoutout to the Nordby Center of Huron for putting my name, literally, in lights!