P is for Princess Kay of the Milky Way

This year the Princess Kay of the Milky Way title marks its 66th anniversary. Dozens of dairy princesses from across Minnesota all gather in May to participate in workshops and judging. Dairy princesses are young women who are from dairy farm families or are involved in the dairy industry through their employment or that of their parents. At the weekend’s conclusion, the 10 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists are announced. 

65th Princess Kay Rebekka Paskewitz

Princess Kay finalists are then judged again in August. Judging involves a written application, a short speech, a professional interview and a simulated media interview. Princess Kay is then crowned the night before the Minnesota State Fair opens and serves as the dairy industry’s goodwill ambassador for a year, helping people understand the dedication of dairy farmers to wholesome and nutritious food, and the way milk is produced. Dairy farmers sponsor the dairy princess program through Midwest Dairy.

Princess Kay of the Milky Way makes appearances in classrooms, at parades and community events, Breakfast on the Farm events, and county fairs.

 I am contracted by Midwest Dairy as the Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator. So what does this mean? I organize the May leadership and judging event, and plan an orientation in July for the finalists.  Starting bright and early the morning after coronation, Princess Kay and her court of nine princesses begin their appearances at the state fair. It is my responsibility to schedule, chaperone and keep everyone smiling for the 12 days of the fair. Following the fair, I work with Princess Kay on her appearances, speeches and media presentations for the remainder of her year.

I am beyond thrilled to be associated with the Minnesota princess program. I am a past County Dairy Princess, and a proud mom of a past Princess Kay state finalist. I have seen this program build confidence and poise in hundreds of young ladies in the dairy community, and I am so proud to be a part of it in this capacity!

August 21, 2019 we will crown the 66th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. This years finalists are:

• Kayla Biel, Harmony, daughter of Kevin and Kelly Biel, and representing Fillmore County; 
• Elizabeth Golombiecki, Morris, daughter of Julie Golombiecki and the late Ron Golombiecki, and representing Stevens County; 
• Donna Honer, St. Cloud, daughter of Scott and Toni Honer, and representing Stearns County; 
• Grace Jeurissen, Lester Prairie, daughter of Rick and Mindy Jeurissen, and representing McLeod County; 
• Elizabeth Krienke, Lester Prairie, daughter of Kraig and Rachelle Krienke, and representing McLeod County; 
• Amy Kyllo, Byron, daughter of Paul and Susan Kyllo, and representing Olmsted County; 
• Lexie Lange, Sherburn, daughter of Mark and Joanna Lange, and representing Martin County; 
• Rachel Paskewitz, Browerville, daughter of Alan and Vicki Paskewitz, and representing Todd County; 
• AnnaMarie Sachs, Eyota, daughter of Charlie and Carrie Sachs, and representing Olmsted County; and 
• Brittney Tiede, Le Center, daughter of Lloyd and Diane Tiede, and representing Le Sueur County.