Princess Kay, Who will it be in 2021?

This year the 68th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Minnesota's goodwill ambassador for the dairy community, will be crowned. Dozens of dairy enthusiasts from across Minnesota all gather in May to participate in 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, or raise or lease dairy animals. At the conclusion of judging, the 10 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists are announced. 

Brenna Connelly, 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way

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.

The 2021 finalists include:

• Emeliya Dose, 18, of Plainview, representing Wabasha County; daughter of Paul Dose and Miranda and Rob Young 
• Kelsey Erf, 19, of Oakdale, representing Washington County; daughter of Dave and Kathy Erf 
• Anna Euerle, 19, of Litchfield, representing Meeker County; daughter of Vaughn and Joan Euerle 
• Alaina Johnson, 18, of Dakota, representing Houston County; daughter of Ryan and Tracy Johnson 
• Kelsey Kuball, 19, of Waterville, representing Rice County; daughter of Shannon and Nathan Kuball 
• Emily Leonard, 21, of Norwood Young America, representing Carver County; daughter of Tim and Amy Leonard 
• Isabelle Lindahl, 20, of Lindstrom, representing Chisago County; daughter of Kevin and Tara Lindahl 
• Megan Meyer, 17, of Rollingstone, representing Winona County; daughter of John and Connie Meyer 
• Jessica Ohmann, 20, of Albany, representing Stearns County; daughter of Ron and Ami Ohmann 
• Katrina Thoe, 22, of Hayfield, representing Dodge County; daughter of Susie and Jeffrey Thoe 

Two Little Steps and What They Taught Me

August 22, 2017 - Two days before the beginning of the Minnesota State Fair. Two days before I begin my 12 days of chaperoning Princess Kay of the Milky Way and her court. This is what happens when you don't see two little steps in a dimly lit room. 

Thanks to my daughter Sara and the great staff of Midwest Dairy I was able to rest up at home the first four days and then return via a motorized scooter for the remainder of the fair. But I'm getting ahead of the story...

August 24- Two days after falling- can't get a shoe on my swollen foot- trip to ER- Dr. says "two broken bones- here's some crutches- can put some weight on it- don't think you will need surgery but call surgeon after the Fair."

September 8- I'm in surgery- staple permanently implanted in my foot- no weight on foot for 2 weeks- can't walk up steps- bedroom on second floor- sleeping in a recliner is not ideal- eating in a recliner is awkward.

September 21- Transitioned from surgery wrap to a cast- red is my favorite color- no weight for 2 more weeks- getting tired of sitting- nothing good on TV- my family is amazing help- thinking of my Mom and Dad a lot as they were not mobile for the last several years of their lives- reality check- stop complaining and be thankful.

October 5- Transitioned from cast to walking boot- no weight for 1 week- progress?- still sitting- sorted magazines- read two books- made two Christmas stockings- isn't being waited on supposed to be a luxury?- feeling helpless but thankful.

October 12- I can stand- walking boot for two more weeks- can walk to the bathroom alone (that's a big deal!- excited to do laundry and dishes- never thought I would say that.

October 26- Can start transitioning from walking boot to shoe with an ankle brace- what shoe is going to fit this swollen foot and brace?- swelling could last 4 months or longer- sigh... slow and steady wins the race.

Thank goodness for stretchy tennis shoes! They fit over a brace and a swollen foot. I can even climb steps, all the way to the seat in the combine so I can combine corn! Ahh...life is good!