Barometer: Imperial Court of Minnesota Hosts Coronation XXII

Empress XXI, Burnadate Daniels (left), and Regent Emperor XXI Jeff Crump. Photo Courtesy of Imperial Court of Minnesota

Since it was founded in 1992, the Imperial Court of Minnesota (ICOM), primarily a fundraising organization according to its mission statement, has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars for myriad local charities.

But ICOM has its fun side, too, with plenty of crowns and gowns at events that raise money as well. That will be most evident at its grandest spectacle of the year, Coronation XXII, on February 8 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis. Appropriately enough, the theme is “An Imperial Ball at St. Petersburg’s Winter Place.”

ICOM is a monarchical organization, meaning that an emperor and empress elected each year preside over activities. At Coronation XXII, Regent Emperor XXI, Jeff Crump, and Empress XXI, Burnadate Daniels, will step down after a successful reign. That night, new monarchs will be crowned.

Evie Blank and Brie J’órdòn are vying for empress, while Darin Hatch is the sole candidate for emperor. Voting takes place on February 1 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel. Candidate J’órdòn held a benefit for HOPE 4 YOUTH on January 19 at the Town House in St. Paul and a benefit for the St. Cloud State University LGBT Resource Center on January 23 at Biology 701 in St. Cloud. Candidate Blank has a benefit for Bill’s Pantry on January 25 at the Saloon. Candidate Hatch has a benefit for The Aliveness Project on January 31 at the Gay 90’s.

Other activities take place the weekend of Coronation XXII: the Out of Town Show on February 7 at the Saloon, and the Victory Brunch on February 9 at the Radisson Plaza.

For more information, visit www.impcourtmn.com.