Kahte (KAW-tuh) is eleven years old and lives with her family in the state of Washington. Her father, whom she proudly states is Macedonian, is a math professor and makes authentic Macedonian weavings to sell. Kahte and her older sister, Penke, have traditional Macedonian names and both are intelligent beyond their years. In previous years at this Christmas-themed festival, Kahte has dressed up as a princess (there are elves, fairies, princesses and even human Christmas trees), but this year opted for face painting that is distinctly more "Carnivale" than Yuletide. She and her sister never fail to bring a smile to everyone they meet.