08/18/2026
Congratulations Karena! 👑💎
Miss Fjord Folk Fest 2026 Crowned
MINOT, ND- August 17, 2026—The Fjord Folk Fest Organization announced its first annual 2026 Miss Fjord Folk Fest following the August 15th competition event held at Beowulf Golf Club.
Karena Verbitsky of Minot, North Dakota was crowned with the title of Miss Fjord Folk Fest 2026 and will represent the Fjord Folk Fest this weekend (August 21-22) at the inaugural festival in Minot, North Dakota. With this title, Karena will receive a $1000 scholarship provided by an anonymous sponsor as well as numerous other prizes provided by our generous sponsors. With this title, Miss Fjord Folk Fest also has the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss North Dakota 2027 which will be held in Williston , North Dakota in June of 2027.
Karena is a 3L law student at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law. She is passionate about returning to North Dakota to advocate for landowner’s rights while supporting the industries that are the foundation of North Dakota’s economy. Karena is an amateur boxer, currently ranked 9th in the nation in her weight class. Karena is proud to show that women athletes and women in male-dominated industries can exhibit both strength and grace simultaneously. Her Norwegian heritage story is comprised of generations of strong willed, community-centered individuals who inspire her to continue the tradition of investing in local business and culture. She has over 10 years of involvement in the Norsk Hostfest and other Scandinavian events as a singer and dancer, and she looks forward to welcoming a new season of celebration with attendees at the inaugural Fjord Folk Fest.
The Fjord Folk Fest also thanks this year’s competition judges, Sarah Seay, Feliciana Castaneda, and Shanel Effertz, for their participation and time. The competition is also grateful to this year’s sponsors, Beowulf Golf Club, Lien’s Jewerly, Pizza Ranch, The Flower Box, and Team 2 Real Estate with Century 21 Morrison Realty. Miss Fjord Folk Fest was crowned by Miss North Dakota’s Teen, Addison Pringle who will be competing in Miss America’s Teen competition in a few weeks and Miss Grand Forks’ Teen, Shilow Christianson.
The Miss North Dakota Scholarship Organization provides opportunities for young women to achieve their personal and professional ambitions. Titleholders also participate in community service activities and develop leadership skills that help them excel in their chose career and life goals.
The Fjord Folk Fest is thrilled to have Karena represent the festival in the year to come.
