Viking Divas keep Whitefish Carnival tradition alive

Looking as if they just stepped out of a “Conan the Barbarian” movie, they roam the streets of Whitefish.

Clad in leather and furs, brandishing their swords, shields and even a battle ax, they are the protectresses that keep the townspeople safe from the mischievous Yetis. They may garner curious looks from tourists, but to locals they are a familiar sight. They are the Winter Carnival’s Viking Divas.

Celebrating its 61st year this year, the Whitefish Winter Carnival centers around the legend of King Ullr, a Nordic god who moved to Big Mountain after becoming disgruntled with his subjects. There he came across the Yetis, a race of half-man, half beasts, who enjoy causing all kinds of mischief.

The Viking Divas tradition began around the turn of the century when a group of four friends and Whitefish Chamber of Commerce ambassadors came across a barrel full of costumes, shields and weapons among a group of carnival props. During previous carnivals, male Vikings had stood between the townspeople and the Yetis, but Renee Olson, Teresa Kelly, Carlene Moes and Bee Bickel decided to make a change.

It soon became known that those who were marked with a “V” and a kiss on their cheek by the divas were protected against the Yetis.

Two decades later, the tradition continues as the Viking Divas have become known around Montana and beyond.

“It’s something that is great to be known for. When we travel to parades, most of the time people have already heard about Whitefish’s Viking Divas. People know us and our story. It’s great,” current Diva Sarah Stafford said. “People really like the characters and it is great to interact with the community.”

These days, being a Viking Diva is a year-round commitment, with the group appearing in parades around the state and even Washington and Canada, as well as their annual carnival duties.

“I think the parades are the most fun part of being a Diva,” Shannon Havens said “People always want to have the picture taken with you. It really brings the community out and it’s wonderful.”

For the current group, being a Viking Diva is a way to carry on the traditions that brought the fun and excitement that helped battle their winter boredom as children.

“For those of us who grew up here, it’s so much fun to be a part of something that is nostalgic for us. We loved it as kids and now we get to be the ones bringing it to life for everyone,” Jennifer Watson said. “We get to keep that Winter Carnival story alive. It’s great to keep that tradition alive.”

What does it take to be a Viking Diva? While the members are nominated and chosen by the Divas themselves, the qualifications are simple, according to Stafford.

“Divas only need to not be too terribly shy and like to have fun,” she said. “They also have to be available to travel to out-of-town events and know and understand the story and history of the Winter Carnival.”

There is one other thing that is required of a diva — they must assemble their own costume. Those costumes have changed a bit since the early days, when the Viking Divas were known for their “hammered metal breast plates” that looked suspiciously like department store bustiers. These days, the costumes put together by the divas are a matter of pride, with some providing leather and furs from their own hunting excursions and even one who imported several parts of her costume from Eastern and Northern Europe.

There have been more than 15 Viking Divas since the group’s formation, but the goal remains the same.

“We are about having fun while protecting people from the Yetis, but it is more about interacting with the community.” Stafford said. “It’s a wonderful tradition and we aim to keep it going.”

Reporter Jeremy Weber may be reached at 758-4446 or jweber@dailyinterlake.com.