Announcement Concludes Weekend Workshop for County Dairy Princesses
An annual gathering of Minnesota's county dairy princesses will conclude with the announcement of the 12 finalists for the next Princess Kay of the Milky Way at a luncheon beginning at 12 noon on Sunday, May 17, at St. Cloud State's Atwood Center. More than 60 dairy princesses are expected to attend the weekend of workshops preceding the announcement, with most of the group competing for the finalist positions.Midwest Dairy Association, through its dairy farmer funders, is holding the princess events for the 15th year. Young women who are serving as county dairy princesses and ambassadors receive background information on dairy topics, as well as ideas for carrying out their role in speaking to people about dairy products and dairy farming.
In addition, princesses can participate in judging that includes a written application, a short speech, a professional interview and a simulated media interview. Those who wish to compete for finalist will have their scores from the judging tabulated; others may participate to gain experience.
State dairy princesses from Iowa and South Dakota will also attend the event, along with the reigning Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Jeni Haler of Carver County.
Winners announced on Sunday advance to the Princess Kay coronation held the night before the Minnesota State Fair opens. Princess Kay finalists have their likeness carved in butter during the Minnesota State Fair and make public appearances during the Fair's 12-day run.
Princess Kay 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 cows and farms providing it.
The public is invited to view the naming of the 2015 Princess Kay finalists free of charge, but tickets for the meal can be ordered for $20 through Kristy Masloski or 651-487-4757 or kmasloski@midwestdairy.com. The deadline is May 13. Live updates of the finalist announcements will be posted to Princess Kay's Facebook page during the luncheon. On Twitter, updates can be seen by following the hashtag #MNPrincessKay.
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. They make appearances in classrooms, at parades and community events, and county fairs.
Midwest Dairy Association® is a non-profit organization funded by dairy farmers to build demand for dairy products through integrated marketing, nutrition education and research. Midwest Dairy is funded by checkoff dollars from dairy farmers in a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.midwestdairy.com. Follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook at Midwest Dairy. 5.7.2015