The History

How did we start this State Event?

Coronation used to be in June. Summer was the end of the year instead of the middle. Winter Cotillion was originally a Christmas time function to raise money and collect toys for needy children.See Empress VII, Fran's proclamation.Emperor Bill and Empress Fran changed the event to be a Winter Cotillion. There were to be contestants for Prince and Princess of Snow.As the years went on, Winter Cotillion became scheduled in the beginning of the year. Coronation had moved to November to be more cost effective. Now, the Christmas season was really close to the new Monarchs stepping up. There was still the need to celebrate Investitures. Therefore, Winter Cotillion ended up marking the end of the first quarter of the year.In recent years Winter Cotillion has been scheduled in late February and early March. Monarchs know it cannot be scheduled after the 22nd of March, the first day of Spring. The event has been more of a challenge recently because Denver and Colorado Springs have enjoyed attending Seattle's Coronation. Our Texas brothers and sisters also enjoy our visits to Houston. There has always been scheduling issues with all the State Functions, but Winter Cotillion has endured the most changes.Winter Cotillion is also the event where the Monarchs from the year before announce the funds raised during their reign. With the help of the Treasurer, the Monarchs from the previous year are able to close the financial books of their reign and donate funds to the community. Between November and February, all the bills are paid and the accounting is balanced with the bank and the community.

The Debutante Ball

Winter Cotillion is now traditionally a Debutante Ball.Since Reign VII, the Debutantes have been people in the community who were new to the Court. Not everyone has to be young like other Debutantes. But, the contestants are encouraged to make the event their "Coming Out" party to the Court. Coming out as a member of our organization is different from coming out of the closet. We are non-discriminatory, and we want the entire community to feel a part of our success. The new Debutantes get to meet new people and learn from the experienced line members and Regents.The Prince and Princess of Snow Competition has rules.

- A Debutante wears a white dress, regardless of gender.
- The Debutante is escorted by an Escort, wearing a suit or tuxedo, regardless of gender.
- The Debutante cannot talk out right. The Escort walks around the room introducing the Debutante to guests. After the Debutante is introduced, she is allowed to carry on a conversation.
- At the end of the first set, the candidates for Prince and Princess of Snow waltz.
- After the waltz, the candidates sell raffle tickets for charity. The raffle prizes vary each year.
- Usually, there are secret judges picked by the Monarchs who vote on which couple did the best job during the evening.
- The Prince and Princess are crowned before the last performances of the evening.

The Prince and Princess of Snow use their titles for one (1) year, or until the next Winter Cotillion. Many past recipients of the award have moved on to higher office. It is not a lifetime title. This pageant is a stepping stone towards achieving larger responsibilities.