The winter chill was no match for the warmth inside the Waseca VFW on Friday, February 27 as the community gathered for the annual Sleigh & Cutter Dinner & Dance. The event, a cornerstone of the city’s winter festival weekend, blended hometown tradition with high-energy entertainment, all while crowning a new local legend.
The evening kicked off at 5:00 PM with the smell of sizzling burgers and fresh fish baskets as members of the VFW Post and Ladies Auxiliary kept the kitchen moving to serve a hungry crowd. While attendees tucked into their meals, the $1 meat raffle—featuring premium cuts from local Fischer Farms—kept the room buzzing with anticipation.
The 2026 Sleigh & Cutter royalty set the tone for the night, trading traditional gowns for country-themed duds complete with sequins, cowboy boots, and wide-brimmed hats.
Leading the court was Jasmin Kotek, Miss Waseca Sleigh & Cutter, who stood out in a vibrant pink dress and shimmering silver sequined boots. For Kotek, this year is a homecoming of sorts. After starting her pageant journey six years ago—inspired by a childhood love for Toddlers & Tiaras—she rose through the ranks to become a semifinalist at Miss Minnesota. “It’s really neat to represent this town and receive this honor twice,” said Kotek, who previously served in 2024. “I love this community.” Her focus now shifts to the Miss Minnesota prelims on June 17–18, with the finals scheduled for June 19.
Joining her was Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Teen Ariel Anhalt, a junior at NRHEG. Anhalt credited her cheer coach, Baillie Madden, for inspiring her to get involved in the community. “I was quite surprised to win, but I worked really hard for it,” Anhalt said, noting that her journey so far—from Monday night bingo at Barden’s Bar to festival appearances—has been amazing. The local court was also joined by visiting royalty, including Miss Minnesota Teen, Miss Owatonna’s Teen, Miss Perham, Miss South Central’s Teen, and others.
The formal program began at 6:00 PM with a stirring flag ceremony. As the royal court hoisted the American flag, the room fell silent for a soulful rendition of “God Bless the USA,” performed by the evening’s band, Los Tequileros. A seamless blend of country, classic rock, and the occasional bolero turned the VFW into an electric space that kept local royalty, families, and longtime lovers on the dance floor until 9:30 PM.
The climax of the night came after the band’s final set, with the highly anticipated return of the Mr. Waseca County Sleigh & Cutter Pageant. Seven brave local men—Brent Brass, Ashton Ward, Steve Kotek, Handsome Dan, Jon Madden, Scott Raths, and Brennan Hood—battled it out in categories including fitness, formal wear, talent, and an on-stage question.
In a fierce competition that saw everything from swagger to “mad basketball skills” during the talent portion, Brent Brass was ultimately crowned the 2026 Mr. Waseca County Sleigh & Cutter.
Additionally, the festival’s mascot, Frosty was revealed to be Brad Milbrath and the Sleigh & Cutter Medallion contest winners were revealed. The Sleigh & Cutter celebration continues Saturday with the annual parade through downtown Waseca, starting at noon. Residents are encouraged to head downtown to keep the festival spirit alive.
