Our 2026 Miss Schwaben, Erika Hanke!
It is incredible honour to be given the opportunity to represent the club as you Miss Schwaben 2026.
As a lifelong member of the Schwaben Club, I am proud to continue a family legacy that began with my grandparents. Growing up immersed in the club’s culture and traditions, I began dancing at the age of three with the Kindergruppe, later moving on to the Jugendgruppe and the Schwaben Dancers. During the 2021-2022 season, I also had the opportunity to give back by teaching the next generation of dancers.
Outside of the club, I graduated from the Child and Youth Care program at Fanshaw College and now work with children with developmental and medical needs. I also continue to volunteer and work at the Schwaben Club, where members often see me bartending, serving, or helping in the kitchen.
I am deeply proud of my heritage, and am honoured to represent the traditions, community, and spirit that make the Schwaben Club feel like home.
The first Miss Schwaben was crowned in 1958, and since then, numerous women have had the honour of representing the Schwaben Club. From travelling around during Oktoberfest, to being an ambassador at Club functions, Miss Schwaben has a vital role within the Club. Here is the list of ladies who carried the crown and sash.
1958
1959
60/61
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
Edith Korek
Adolfine Schneinost
Keine Wahl – No Contest
Inara Vinakmens
Eva Pfeiffer
Evelin Hulbert
Irene Twerdochleb
Mary Hoffman
Barbara Doerel
Kathy Lukitsch
Margaret Schilling
Adelheid Vogt
Gerda Wolf
Rosemary Putschli
Rosemary Schwartz
Rosemary Brenner
Claudia Reschke
Christine Becker
Marika Fulep
Barbara Madlensky
Beth Dietrich
Rosemary Piller
Petra Osterling
Lydia Kessler
Anita Schlupp
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Katharina Ungar
Linda Haehnel
Barbara Schlosser
Connie Stewart
Paulina Mayer
Nancy Schaadt
Jackie Sieber
Christina Martz
Margaret Birl
Heidi Offak
Kara Kennedy
Lisa Tadros
Margaret Milne
Christina Kunz
Lori Pottkamper
Sheri Lotrijan
Monica Pilz
Rosemary Harvey
Andrea Adam
Katelyn Tshirhart
Jennifer Harvey
Jade Adam
Vanessa Adam
Brandy Chapman
Magdalena Adam
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
20/21
2022
2023
2024
2025
Kathrine Harvey
Mihaela Savulescu
Jennifer Tshirhart
Carole Zettel
Ericha Schiketanz
Melanie Williamson
Vanessa Pastoric
Samantha Hild
Jessica Hill
Angele Killingbeck
Cassandra Kauer
Alyssa Hild
Shayla Herold
Emma Becker
Stefanie Kahnke
Natasha Speckner
2018 – David O’Reilly
2019-21 Nolan McQuabbie
2022- Ray Tomchick
2024 – Nickolas Leipold
2023 & 2025 – Cole Watson
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must be between the ages of 19 and 28 at the start of that year’s Oktoberfest.
2. Must be under a student, single or family membership for a full calendar year prior to the Miss competition.
3. Must be single, never married, and have no children for the duration of the time you hold the title.
4. Should have an understanding and appreciation of the Donauschwaben and German cultures.
5. Must reside within commuting distance of the Schwaben Club and its respective engagements.
If there are no applicants that meet the requirements specified above, then refer to Appendix A at the Club office for additional information.
EXPECTATIONS:
1. As an ambassador of the Schwaben Club, you are expected to represent the club in a professional manner at all times. It is important to realize that anything you say and do as the ambassador will be taken by others as the opinion of the club, so the interests and opinions expressed must be representative of the membership and not personal opinion. This includes at personal appearances as well as posts on social media accounts.
2. You are expected to attend all the primary cultural club functions, and ideally any other events you may be invited to at the club or by others (e.g. other German Clubs or KWO).
3. You must be comfortable with public speaking.
4. You must be able to polka and waltz with the Club membership.
5. You must be available for Oktoberfest to attend functions when requested.
6. You must not be under the influence of recreational drugs while representing the club. Alcohol consumption must be moderate with no intoxication.
7. Appropriate attire based on the event is expected. Please consult with the Cultural Director for event specific details.
8. A Vulnerable Sector police check will be obtained at the cost of the club.
Failure of any of the above requirements may result in the loss of your title.