On the weekend of September 5th-7th, I got to participate in one of my favorite events ever- Inver Grove Heights Days. I always get very excited for this event, but this year was extra special to me because I got to spend most of it finishing up my reign as the 2014 Miss Inver Grove Heights. On Friday night, my royal family and I, as well as our 2015 candidates, had lots of fun with all the kids and families that came to the annual family fun night! The next morning we were all up bright and early to meet and greet our friends and ambassadors from other communities that came to enjoy the IGH Days parade with us. It was wonderful to see all of their smiling faces and share our memories from the year. The parade itself was an amazing experience! We could not have asked for better weather and there were so many people cheering us on an congratulating us. It felt wonderful to hear these kind words coming from people in our own community. Later that evening, we had our coronation for the 2015 IGH royal family. How exciting! This year’s production was Route 66 themed, and I had a blast dancing during the opening numbers and of course crowing our new ambassadors! I am so blessed to have been able to be a part of this program. It has changed my life in so many ways, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity I was given. I had the time of my life! Inver Grove Heights is such a beautiful place to live, and I am so proud and honored to have been, and continue to be, a representative for it. Congratulations to our newly crowned ambassador family and I am looking forward to our IGH Days festival next year and many years to come!

Kelsey Stout

Miss Inver Grove Heights 2014

As our reign as the 2014 Inver Grove Heights Royal Family comes to an end, one of our last events was the Inver Grove Heights Days Family Fun Night held at Oakwood Park. On Friday, September 5th my royal sisters and I attended this event along with the 2015 royal family candidates. We all got to work different stations like helping with the numerous games, and working the inflatables they had there. I was able to work the moon bounce.  It reminded me about my first day as IGH Princess when we got to go down the inflatable giant slide. There were so many kids and families at family fun night! It was an awesome turnout!! I even got to talk with some kids about what their favorite game or inflatable was! I think the most popular thing was the inflatable giant slide. The line was always long for it, and nobody wanted to leave! It was great to see our community of Inver Grove Heights come together for fun events like these. I think Family Fun Night is always a great way to kick off Inver Grove Heights Days! So much fun!!

Kacie Bartholomew
2014 Miss Inver Grove Heights Princess

As my year winds down, I want to take one more opportunity to thank my sponsor.  Associated Bank has given me a year of memories, and I am grateful for their support in  the Inver Grove Heights Scholarship Program.

I have been given an opportunity this year to be an ambassador for our community.  I represented Inver Grove Heights through community service projects and attending other community events around Minnesota and in Wisconsin.  Thank you to Associated Bank for sponsoring.

Without sponsors, this program wouldn’t exist.  Yes, I will receive a scholarship at the end of my reign, but this program is so much more.  I have more self-confidence when meeting new people; I am more comfortable talking in front of groups; I have had an opportunity to meet some amazing people; and most of all, I have five royal sisters for life.

Thank you Associated Bank.  You have provided me with memories of a lifetime.

Natalie Taufen

2014 Little Miss Inver Grove Heights 2014

I chose to serve Dakota Pediatric Clinic as one of my service projects. My brother has been a patient for 17 years. I have been a patient for 9 years and my sister has been a patient for 7 years. I was trying to think of a way to help them out since they have taken such good care of us. So, I came up with the idea to volunteer to sanitize and clean the whole clinic. From sanitizing A LOT of toys to door handles, cabinets, chairs, video game controllers, exam rooms, desks, counter tops, sinks, toilets and bathrooms, I don’t think we left that place with a germ! Even the windows and glass doors were cleaned. The staff was so thankful and appreciative, I was glad I could give back! I had asked how often the staff had to sanitize the waiting room and they told me daily! That makes me feel good though knowing they are preventing the spread of germs from patient to patient. Dakota Pediatric Clinic is located in Inver Grove Heights. It was founded by Jane VanRoekel (who I miss) and her husband in 1984. Dr VanRoekel’s son Robert Deeb currently operates the clinic.

Chloe Patnaude

Inver Grove Heights Little Miss Princess 2014

On Thursday, July 24 my royal sisters and I had the opportunity to learn a lot about the Renaissance Festival by attending a library event called “The Royal Guard.”  We learned about knights and their shining armor, dragons, and even princesses! (What a coincidence!) They told us about how young men during the Renaissance became knights, all the training they had to go through, and the awards they were given once their training was done. I never knew that training to become a knight began around the age of 5 or 6 years old for young boys!! We also learned that being a knight meant that you were of high status in the kingdom and everyone respected you. The Renaissance Festival people also told us about the very first story of a dragon and how a civilian saved the princess from the dragon. It just so happens that I got to play the princess believe it or not! This event was very fun and it was interesting to learn about the Renaissance times and how people lived their lives. I have never been to the Renaissance Festival, but after hearing all about it I may need to visit when it comes around in the fall!

Kacie Bartholomew

2014 Inver Grove Heights Princess