Minnesota’s dairy industry celebrated the crowning of the 60th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, 20-year-old MarJenna McWilliam.

The tradition began in 1954, with the coronation of Elenor (Mayley) Thatcher. Thatcher and other Princess Kays from throughout the decades and across the state joined current Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Christine Reitsma of Sauk Centre at the Minnesota History Center on Saturday to begin the countdown to the Minnesota State Fair.

The group celebrated both tradition and the changes in the industry over the years, and viewed a historical artifact – a dress made for the 1965 Minnesota State Fair featuring butter cartons from creameries around the state.

This year’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way coronation ceremony took place at the State Fairy Band Shell. Princess Kay of the Milky Way and each of the Princess Kay finalists gave “My Farm, My Story” presentations so that fair-goers can learn more about dairy farmer’s commitment to healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet.

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Fair-goers can enter a daily contest to win a classroom visit from the newly crowned 60th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. PD

—From Midwest Dairy Association news release