Ten young women with an interest in Minnesota’s dairy industry have been named finalists for the 70th Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Dairy princesses from across the state gathered for the Dairy Promotion and Leadership Event, which was held May 12-13. The weekend included opportunities for networking, leadership workshops and a chance to compete for a finalist spot for Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

The event theme was “Building on the Best,” as contestants aimed to develop leadership skills and competencies for young women in dairy through different inspiring and educational sessions.

“Each year this event brings new and familiar faces; it’s exciting to see all these young women who are committed to being a dairy advocate in their own communities,” says Kate McAndrews, Princess Committee chair and a dairy farmer.

This year’s finalists, all from Minnesota, are:

To compete to be a finalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way, each princess candidate submitted an application; participated in a personal interview; prepared and delivered a speech; and participated in a mock media interview. Princess Kay candidates are judged on their general knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills and enthusiasm for promoting dairy.

The 10 finalists will compete for the title of Minnesota’s 70th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, to be crowned Aug. 23, the night before the state fair begins. The finalists will have their likeness carved in butter during the 2023 Minnesota State Fair.

Midwest Dairy sponsors the Princess Kay of the Milky Way program, which is funded by dairy farmers through their promotion checkoff.

Source: Midwest Dairy